Investigating admixture and genetic variation in Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and their hybrids using comparative whole genome sequence analysis. High Quality Reference Genome for Gyrfalcon (Falco Rusticolus)

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) and Saker (Falco cherrug) are both protected species of avian predators of the genus Falco. Both species play crucial ecological roles in their habitats and migration ranges in Asia, Europe and North America. Captive-bred Gyrfalcon-Saker hybrids are produced annually to compensate for the demand for wild falcons to be used in falconry, mainly in the near East. Sometimes these hybrids are released or escape to the wild. The Saker falcon genome has been sequenced (approx 1.2 Gb) but not the genome of the Gyrfalcon. The aim of this project is to employ whole genome sequencing to produce a reference genome for Gyrfalcon and study admixture in Gyrfalcon-Saker hybrids in order to provide in-depth information about these endangered species and inform conservation projects. A high-coverage reference genome sequence of Gyrfalcon will be produced using hybrid assembly of sequencing data generated using a combination of the long read Oxford Nanopore MinION and short read Illumina NovaSeq platforms. Additional 4 Gyrfalcons representing different populations will be resequenced at high coverage (30-fold) to identify genetic variations in these birds. Suitable DNA extractions have been made and sequencing library preparation is currently underway. To study hybridization in Gyrfalcons and Sakers, 9 hybrid falcons will be resequenced at the second stage of the project. Comparative genomics will used to analyse the genetic difference between the two species and the level of admixture in these captive-bred hybrids. This will permit rapid detection of hybrids and avoid the unintended release of hybrids into the wild in release programs. In addition, I also aim to analyse genes underlying a sex linked recessive light brown plumage colour in Saker Falcons using genome sequencing. I will study the candidate genes associated with plumage colouration using Saker Falcons from a pedigree exhibiting a rare light brown plumage colour. An important application of the project would be to guide conservation breeding programs to ensure a successful integration of the captive-bred individuals into wild populations without disturbing the gene pool.