Conservation genomics of two endangered buntings reveal genetic diversity before and after severe population declines.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Museomics utilizes historical genetic data from museum specimens to inform threatened species conservation. The Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) and the Jankowski's Bunting (E. jankowskii), categorized as Critically Endangered or Endangered, respectively, have experienced population declines since the 1970s-1980s. Comparing genetic diversity changes before and after declines is crucial for refining conservation strategies.

Results

We de novo assembled genomes for both species and resequenced 29 E. aureola (16 historical pre-decline specimens from the 1930s to the 1950s) and 18 E. jankowskii (4 historical pre-decline specimens from the 1950s to the 1960s), with 45 individuals from six least-concern Emberiza species for comparison. Genetic diversity remain

SUBMITTER: Wang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature