5 CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we performed a combination of microsatellite and mtDNA analyses using samples from previously unexamined regions of the golden eagle’s distribution to enhance our understanding of the phylogeography of this species across Eurasia. Our findings revealed genetic differentiation between the Mediterranean and the Holarctic lineages and a divergence of Northern Europe and Central Asia and Caucasus from the other studied regions, thereby highlighting a latitudinal genetic gradient between southern and northern Eurasian golden eagles. Upon comparing these genetic clusters, we found that Central Asia was a hotspot of genetic diversity, while Northern Europe showed an opposite trend.
Although we lack definitive conclusions to fully explain the latitudinal gradient of golden eagles, the presence of two genetically distinct lineages with differing demographic histories and geographical distributions provides evidence for the existence of two evolutionary significant units (ESU; sensu Crandall et al. , 2000). Incorporating ESUs into conservation and management practices would help to preserve the adaptive diversity of this remarkable species (Crandallet al. , 2000). The conservation of golden eagles is not only a matter of national concern but requires consideration at a larger scale to preserve this distinct genetic variation.