ID :
157622
Mon, 01/17/2011 - 16:30
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/157622
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Ground-breaking Falcon genetics project launched in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jan 17, 2011 (WAM)- A new project to study and sequence the genomes (hereditary information) of Peregrine and Saker Falcons has begun in Abu Dhabi. Blood samples have been collected from specially selected male specimens of Peregrine and Saker at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH). DNA from these samples will be analysed to determine the full genetic sequences that make up the genome of these locally important falcon species.
The project is under the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), and supported by Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH), the International Wildlife Consultants (UK) and two professors at the University of Cardiff in the UK.
The genome sequences will take two years of laboratory and computer work to analyse. They will enable biologists to study specific genes, providing new insights into the evolution of these species and increase our understanding of their basic biology and hereditary diseases. To date, genome sequences have only been obtained for two bird species, the Chicken and the Zebra Finch (a small songbird). Despite having a smaller genome than humans, birds have a similar number of genes of which approximately 23,000 are responsible for their physical and behavioural characteristics.
Now that blood samples have been collected from specially selected male specimens of the Peregrine and Saker falcons by ADFH, their DNA will be sequenced at the BGI (formerly known as the Beijing Genetics Institute) in Shenzen, China, an internationally renowned centre which recently produced whole genome sequences for the Giant Panda and the Camel. The falcon genome project is headed by Prof. Mike Bruford and Dr. Xiangjiang Zhan at the University of Cardiff in the UK, working in cooperation with International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd, who is acting on behalf of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and Managing Director of EAD, said: "This is a major milestone in our understanding of falcon genetics and will prove to be a lasting tool for scientists working on the conservation of these species.
"The genome project is us taking a major step in a more strategic approach for research and conservation management. The importance of both the Saker and the Peregrine for traditional Arabic Falconry has meant that Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for these species in Eurasia," he added.
Dr. Nick Fox, Director of International Wildlife Consultants said: "The genome makes up the building blocks of a species. From the genome results we can start to clarify which falcons are distinct species and how regional populations relate to one another. At last we will know exactly what it is that we are trying to conserve." Prof. Mike Bruford of Cardiff University Biosciences department, said: "This project provides a unique opportunity to analyse and compare the genomes of two closely related and widely distributed birds of prey. Not only will it allow us to understand the genomic evolution of birds over a short evolutionary timescale but it will also enable us to investigate the genetic adaptation of these species to their different environments and provide vital information for their conservation in the future." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The project is under the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), and supported by Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH), the International Wildlife Consultants (UK) and two professors at the University of Cardiff in the UK.
The genome sequences will take two years of laboratory and computer work to analyse. They will enable biologists to study specific genes, providing new insights into the evolution of these species and increase our understanding of their basic biology and hereditary diseases. To date, genome sequences have only been obtained for two bird species, the Chicken and the Zebra Finch (a small songbird). Despite having a smaller genome than humans, birds have a similar number of genes of which approximately 23,000 are responsible for their physical and behavioural characteristics.
Now that blood samples have been collected from specially selected male specimens of the Peregrine and Saker falcons by ADFH, their DNA will be sequenced at the BGI (formerly known as the Beijing Genetics Institute) in Shenzen, China, an internationally renowned centre which recently produced whole genome sequences for the Giant Panda and the Camel. The falcon genome project is headed by Prof. Mike Bruford and Dr. Xiangjiang Zhan at the University of Cardiff in the UK, working in cooperation with International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd, who is acting on behalf of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and Managing Director of EAD, said: "This is a major milestone in our understanding of falcon genetics and will prove to be a lasting tool for scientists working on the conservation of these species.
"The genome project is us taking a major step in a more strategic approach for research and conservation management. The importance of both the Saker and the Peregrine for traditional Arabic Falconry has meant that Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for these species in Eurasia," he added.
Dr. Nick Fox, Director of International Wildlife Consultants said: "The genome makes up the building blocks of a species. From the genome results we can start to clarify which falcons are distinct species and how regional populations relate to one another. At last we will know exactly what it is that we are trying to conserve." Prof. Mike Bruford of Cardiff University Biosciences department, said: "This project provides a unique opportunity to analyse and compare the genomes of two closely related and widely distributed birds of prey. Not only will it allow us to understand the genomic evolution of birds over a short evolutionary timescale but it will also enable us to investigate the genetic adaptation of these species to their different environments and provide vital information for their conservation in the future." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
