Molecular evidence of introgressive hybridization between related species Jankowski's Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii) and Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cioides) (Aves: Passeriformes)

Natural hybridization, which often occurs between closely related species exhibiting sympatric or parapatric distributions, is an important source of genetic variation within populations. The closely related Jankowski's Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii) and Meadow Bunting (E. cioides) are similar in morphology and genetics, occupy overlapping niches, and are sympatric in eastern Inner Mongolia. Previous studies have reported trans-species polymorphisms of alleles between the two species, as well as an unexpectedly high genetic diversity of the endangered E. jankowskii. We speculate that introgressive hybridization has occurred between the two species and contributed to the additional unexpected variation to E. jankowskii. We used mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity of E. jankowskii and E. cioides, and inferred the origin of trans-species polymorphisms between the two species by phylogenetic reconstruction and Bayesian cluster analysis. The two species could be clearly distinguished by population cluster analysis. Despite the large number of mutational differences, we still detected sharing of major haplotypes and the presence of hybrids between the two species. Our study confirmed that weak introgressive hybridization has occurred between sympatric E. jankowskii and E. cioides, which may be mediated by female E. cioides individuals, and that interspecific introgression has contributed to the maintenance of high genetic diversity in E. jankowskii. While being wary of the potential negative effects of introgressive hybridization, we suggest that expanding the habitat of E. jankowskii remains the most effective conservation strategy at present.

Automated summary

This study found evidence of introgressive hybridization between the closely related species Jankowski's Bunting and Meadow Bunting in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. Female Meadow Buntings may play a role in mediating this hybridization. Interspecific introgression contributes to the high genetic diversity in Jankowski's Bunting. We recommend expanding the habitat of Jankowski's Bunting as a conservation strategy.