The American Genetic Association

A genome assembly for a textbook mammalian study species, the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi). Abstract. Squirrels (Rodentia; Sciuridae) are a well-known and diverse group of rodents, including the charismatic ground-dwelling members of the Tribe Mar

A great step forward for ecological and genetic studies! 🧬🌍
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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🐿️ 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

These advances enhance our understanding of feline genetics and evolution. 🧬✨
Read it here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: http://www.eutherial...
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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)

Did you know that the AGA awards grants each year to its members to support special events, particularly student attendance? One of our recent awards was for the 51st annual Ontario Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution Colloquium (OE3C).
Read more here: blog.theaga.org/oe3c...

While diversity remains stable, significant structuring occurs in highly urban areas, highlighting the importance of genomic studies for urban wildlife conservation.
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: sites.google.com/vie...
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A new paper investigates how urbanization influences genetic connectivity in Dekay’s brown snakes across New Jersey, USA.
Photo: Benny Mazur/Wikimedia

A big step for reptile genomics and conservation!
Photo: Chris Brown, U.S. Geological Survey
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...

Fresh from the California Conservation Genomics Project: the first North American skink reference genome! The high-quality assembly of Gilbert’s skink (Plestiodon gilberti) will advance studies on hybridization, speciation, and adaptation.

This transition is a key step in understanding hymenopteran evolution!
(Photo from the authors)
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.zhouxinlab.com/

We are excited to share a refined genome assembly of the digger wasp Cerceris sabulosa! With over 12,400 genes and insights into evolutionary adaptations, this work sheds light on the transition from predation to pollination.

P.S. The corresponding author is a previous EECG Awardee! Read his Embarkation post here: blog.theaga.org/eecg...

While A. pogus is unlikely to be of immediate conservation concern, this work provides insights into landscape effects and ecological interactions to inform future conservation strategies.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: michaellyuan.com/

New research exploring microgeographic differentiation in the bearded anole, Anolis pogus, reveals minimal inbreeding and contrasting demographic trends with co-occurring species.

This resource aids in assessing genetic health and understanding evolutionary relationships within the true owl family Strigidae.
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Lab website: biodiversitygenomics...
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Here's something to hoot about: 🦉 a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly and transcriptome for the Ural owl (Strix uralensis), supporting conservation efforts and reintroduction programs.
Photo: Jyrki Salmi

These assemblies provide new insights into lamprey evolution and diversity.
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.mn.uio.no/cees/e...
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Here's a paper presenting and comparing haplotype-resolved genomes for European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri). This work reveals their close relationship and potential status as a species complex.
Photo: Jelger Herder

Findings highlight the importance of genetic monitoring for effective conservation amidst rapid environmental changes.
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net...
www.researchgate.net...
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Now in Advance Access: New study on the golden jackal in India reveals high genetic diversity, limited differentiation, and a long evolutionary history.
Photo: Ross Huggett

This provides a key resource for studies aiming to enhance our understanding of niche adaptation, biodiversity, and evolution in California’s unique serpentine soils.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
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Here's a new genome assembly from the California Conservation Genomics Project, this time for Aquilegia eximia, an endemic columbine 🌸
Photo: David Greenberger, iNaturalist

This neat research provides insights into biogeography, genetics, and future distribution of these lovely lilies!
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
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🌿 New research uncovers the evolutionary history of Notholirion species in the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Climate change, uplift, and complex topography drove diversification over millions of years.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

These genomes will aid in contaminant monitoring, understanding invasiveness, and hybridization studies.
Paper: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.josieparis.com/
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New in Genome Resources: 🐟 Two genome assemblies for the white perch (Morone americana), a key ecological bioindicator native to North America's east coast.
Photo: NOAA, GLERL

Their findings highlight regional vulnerabilities & the complex role of environment and geography in shaping connectivity.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Lab: molecularecology.rus...
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Check this out! 🦋🌍 Using landscape genetics & network models, researchers examined Parnassius clodius populations across US national parks, revealing fine-scale genetic structure & factors influencing resilience.
Photo: pawprints, iNaturalist

This opens doors for an increased understanding of reproductive evolution and hybridization dynamics in fish.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
#JHered #OpenAccess

New insights into sex determination in Catostomus fishes! 🐟🔬 Using genomic data, researchers identified a candidate sex-linked region in bluehead suckers—highlighting the complexity and variability of sex mechanisms in fish.
Photo: USFWS