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.