New paper in Genome Resources: A high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly for wild alpine reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from Norway, part of the Earth Biogenome Project. An improved genome for Svalbard reindeer enhances our understanding of these Arctic icons. (Photo: Are G Nilsen)

🐻 In North American brown bears, short-read whole-genome sequencing achieved 94.5% concordance w/ traditional PCR, highlighting its potential for long-term genetic monitoring. Accurate results depend on sufficient coverage & careful interpretation. (Photo © Francis C. Franklin; wikimedia commons)

🐭 Recent genomic analysis of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse reveals complex historical genetic patterns & supports taxonomic revision. Findings suggest reintroduction sites should consider ancestral connectivity & habitat suitability to boost resilience. (Photo: sandiegozoo.org)

🌵 The cactus moth, an invasive threat across the US and Caribbean, is impacting native cacti and prickly pear industries. This RNA-Seq study reveals stage- and sex-specific gene expression, providing new genetic insights to develop innovative control strategies, including gene editing.

Newly published paper shows how convergent evolution showcases nature’s adaptive power! The authors generated high-quality genomes for 10 brood parasitic birds with independent origins spanning 1.6 to 30 million years. (Tree/photo from the paper)

The northern elephant seal, once near extinction with just a few survivors, is now a conservation success story! Thanks to the California Conservation Genomics Project, scientists have generated a high-quality reference genome to study its resilience, genetic diversity, and recovery.

🦒 Recent genomics research confirms four distinct giraffe species, revealing extensive hybridization in North American captive populations. To ensure effective conservation, authors recommend phasing out hybrids and creating new, genetically pure stocks through international collaboration.

🧬 Out now! This study on the endangered eastern Massasauga rattlesnake reveals 218 candidate genes linked to disease response, highlighting genetic factors that may influence resistance to Snake Fungal Disease. (Photo from the Gibbs Lab)

🧬 Here's an intriguing paper addressing how complex behaviors evolve. This study on white three-spined sticklebacks reveals that traits associated with loss of paternal care—like nest dispersal, courtship, and size—map to different genomic regions and evolve independently.

Another genome from the CCGP, this time the chromosome-level genome of Greene’s Tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei), an amphibious grass endemic to California’s vernal pools! Photo: Sarah Gordon

🌊 The green shore crab, Carcinus maenas, a top marine invader present on six continents, now has a high-quality reference genome! This breakthrough enables deeper insights into its invasion success and aids in managing invasive species. Photo: nwtreatytribes.org/s...

🌱 Here's some cool new work exploring adaptation through gene expression! This study on Boechera stricta across elevational gradients shows significant genetic variation and signatures of selection in gene expression, especially in traits related to light, circadian rhythm, and development.

🦌 Exciting news! As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project, scientists assembled a high-quality, chromosome-level genome for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). (photo from the paper)

Announcing a new Special Collection for the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP)! academic.oup.com/jhe... Launched in 2019, the CCGP is advancing how we understand, monitor and protect California's rich ecological resources.

🪲 Exciting milestone for a model organism! Scientists produced the first chromosome-level genome of the forked fungus beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus), a key model for social evolution and group selection. (image credit: Stan Malcolm and Mark Smith of macroscopic solutions)

The complete and annotated genome of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) is now available, thanks to the California Conservation Genomics Project. (Photo from the paper)

Here's the first chromosome-level genome of the pine siskin (Spinus pinus), a migratory songbird. This high-quality reference reveals insights into immune genes, transposable element activity, and genomic rearrangements. (Photo from paper)

🌱 Here's another genome from the CCGP: the first complete genome assembly of Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana), an endangered California endemic! (Photo from the paper)

Out now: a newly-sequenced genome for Neandra brunnea, the pole borer, a longhorn beetle from eastern North America. (Photo from the paper)

New paper out now: 🐑 This study highlights the genetic diversity within National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Rambouillet sheep, revealing high diversity among NSIP breeds but low diversity overall compared to international counterparts. Photo: American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Assoc.

🦇 A new study uncovers SLC45A2 as a key genetic factor behind albinism in an Egyptian fruit bat, revealing reduced gene expression and unique mutations. Photo by Lietuvos zoologijos sodas

Here's a genome from the CCGP! The ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus), is a key predator in wetlands across California and Baja California. Using PacBio HiFi and Omni-C sequencing, the authors achieved a highly contiguous assembly. Photo: USFWS

🔬 A new study on sexual conflict over shared traits (intralocus sexual conflict), in Drosophila reveals complex insights: male-limited (ML) selection didn’t consistently boost male fitness, but female fitness was notably reduced by ML haplotypes.

🌱 De-extinction is no longer science fiction—advances in genome tech, reproductive methods, AI, and stem cell biology are making species revival possible.

New in Genome Resources: 🪲 The forked fungus beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) is a key model for studying social evolution and natural selection. Photo: Stan Malcolm & Mark Smith of macroscopic solutions

🌍 Biodiversity is declining rapidly due to multiple threats. The 2022 Kunming-Montreal Framework aims to reverse this by 2030, with innovative tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) leading the way!

🌱 New in Genome Resources, the high-quality, chromosome-scale genome of American pickleweed (Salicornia depressa), North America’s most widespread salt-loving plant! This species offers insights into salt tolerance, vital for salt marsh conservation & agriculture.

🐢 The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) plays a crucial role in Eastern North American salt marshes but faces declines from habitat loss & over harvest. A new genetic study shows low diversity, especially at range edges, shaped by historic colonization & human activity.

Another genome from the CCGP, this time for the first high-quality de novo genome of the California vole (Microtus californicus), a key species for conservation. Using PacBio HiFi & Omni-C tech, this genome offers insights into vole evolution, diversity, and conservation efforts.

🔍 Introducing NUMTsearcher! A new tool to enhance detection of nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (NUMTs) across species. This script shows improved accuracy, reduced false positives, and insights into NUMT evolution in humans, fish, and more.

🐝 Exciting news! Here's a recently published Genome Resources paper for a high-quality genome of the black dwarf honey bee, Apis andreniformis. This bee is vital for pollinating Southeast Asian crops. Photo: Zestin Soh

Did you know there is only one species of the Babbler Radiation in the Americas? Through the CCGP, the wrentit, Chamaea fasciata, now has a genome assembly. This resource will advance studies on biogeography, adaptation, and conservation of this iconic bird.

The ConGen Global (conservationgenetics...) course ‘Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics’ was established to educate & empower new generations of researchers and practitioners in genetic and genomic approaches to biodiversity conservation.

Now in Advance Access: 🦬 Recent work using a SNP array reveals that genetic analysis of American bison at The Nature Conservancy’s American Prairie grasslands shows high diversity, low inbreeding, and no signs of cattle introgression.

Another plant from the CCGP: a near-chromosome-level genome of the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)! 🌺🌱 This species serves as a key model for studying plant adaptation across diverse climates. Photo: Elizabeth Ryan

Excited to announce a reference genome for Mimulus laciniatus, an alpine endemic of the Sierra Nevada! 🏔️🌱 This CCGP resource advances our understanding of adaptation in marginal habitats and supports further genetic studies of monkeyflowers.

Excited to announce a reference genome for Mimulus laciniatus, an alpine endemic of the Sierra Nevada! 🏔️🌱 This CCGP resource advances our understanding of adaptation in marginal habitats and supports further genetic studies of monkeyflowers.

Here's another genome from the CCGP, the rough limpet, Lottia scabra! 🦪🌊 This resource is useful for investigating genomic adaptation across the California Transition Zone, aiding conservation efforts, and understanding of environmental responses.

🐾Conservation challenge: In ex situ settings, black-footed ferrets show increased sperm DNA methylation and over 500 differentially methylated regions linked to reproduction and development. Photo: J. Michael Lockhart/USFWS

Here's a beauty of an annotated genome for the beauty snake! Using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C tech, the authors assembled a 1.62 Gb genome with 22,246 genes and a BUSCO score of over 98%. Photo: Glenbrooks, Wikimedia

Here are reference genomes for Antipodean and Gibson’s albatrosses! 🐦 These seabirds are critically threatened by bycatch, and understanding their population structure is key for conservation. Photo: JJ Harrison, Wikimedia

Here's the first chromosome-level genome assembly of the long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii), part of the California Conservation Genomics Project! 🦎 Photo: Connor Long, Wikimedia

More from the CCGP, this time a chromosome-level genome for the pink volcano barnacle (Tetraclita rubescens), a species expanding its range along the eastern Pacific. Photo: Peter D Tillman, wikimedia

🐦 Recently available via Advance Access: the first genome assembly of the White-bellied Sholakili/Blue Robin (Sholicola albiventris), an endemic bird of India’s Western Ghats.

Check out our newest EECG Embarkation post from Ben Wiens! blog.theaga.org/eecg... Ben is using his award to investigate questions such as: Why is mitochondrial introgression so common in nature despite potential mitonuclear incompatibilities?

🌱 As climate variability impacts agriculture, identifying genetic factors for environmental adaptation is key. This study uses environmental genomic selection on 149 Cannabis sativa samples, revealing insights into local adaptation & resilience traits.

Here's a new genome from the CCGP: The Lahontan Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). This species, endemic to Western North America, may be in danger of extinction. Photo: NDOW

🐾 Exciting news! Here's a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), a vulnerable species from Central Asia. This genome provides vital insights into genetic diversity and evolution, supporting conservation efforts.

🐿️ Exciting news! The California (aka Beechey) ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) now has a high-quality chromosome-scale genome, boosting research on social behavior, venom resistance, and mammalian evolution. Photo by Pranav Srikanth

Now in Advance Access: 🐾 Researchers have created near-gapless, chromosome-level genomes for the domestic cat and African serval, shedding light on the unique Savannah cat hybrid. serval icon by Branken Spin from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)