Genomic research on Eurasian Gyrfalcons led by researchers at the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Russian Academy of Sciences highlights the population history, low genetic diversity, loss of gene functions, and a climate risk hotspot in northwest Russia.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 26 January 2026
The Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF) is pleased to share the publication of an important new peer reviewed study led by Andrew Dixon (MBZRCF) and Xiangjiang Zhan at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Russian partners.
Published in Ecology and Evolution, the research combines genome resequencing data with climate modelling to better understand how Eurasian gyrfalcon populations have changed over time and what rapid warming could mean for their future. The team analysed wild birds from three regions across Russia, from the Kola Peninsula in the west through Yamal to Chukotka in the far east.
What the team found
While gyrfalcons are widely admired and currently listed globally as Least Concern, the study highlights signals that could affect long term resilience:
- Low genetic diversity across Eurasian populations, which may reduce the ability to cope with sudden pressures such as disease outbreaks or rapid environmental change
- Reduced genetic diversity is associated with loss of gene functions, which can increase population vulnerability to disease and a changing environment
- A clear west to east genetic pattern, with Yamal appearing to act as a natural mixing zone where lineages meet
- A strong climate warning sign for the Kola region, where models project a major contraction of suitable breeding conditions by the end of the century under warming scenarios
“This work shows the power of combining genomics with environmental modelling. By looking into the genetic history of these birds and the climate conditions they depend on, we can better anticipate where populations may face the greatest risk,” said Xin Liu, PhD student, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
For MBZRCF, the paper reinforces a simple message: protecting raptors in a changing world requires more than counting birds. Genetic health, population connectivity, and early warning indicators must be part of modern conservation planning, especially in fast warming regions.
“Gyrfalcons are a symbol of the Arctic, and they can also be an early signal of change,” said His Excellency Mr Abdulla Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund. “This study helps identify where monitoring and partnerships matter most, and it strengthens the science base for smarter long term conservation.”
Why this matters
The Arctic is warming faster than most regions on Earth. Predators at the top of the food chain often reflect ecosystem change early. By combining genomics and climate projections, this study helps refine conservation priorities, informs future research and monitoring, and supports evidence based decision making for the future of gyrfalcons. Furthermore, understanding the genetic structure of the Eurasian Gyrfalcon population can inform decision makers of the most appropriate release areas for rehabilitated and confiscated wild Gyrfalcons.
Access the paper
Liu et al. (2026) Evolution and Climate Adaptation in Eurasian Gyrfalcon Populations. Ecology and Evolution, 2026; 16:e73052
https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73052
MBZRCF website
Partners and acknowledgements
This work was initiated by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and implemented under a joint program between the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Russian Science Foundation. We thank our partners at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing and the Ural Division Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg who made this research possible.
Media contact
Ms Mahra Alhanee
Research and Partnerships Associate
Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund
malhanaee@mbzraptorfund.org
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