India Generates Reference Genomes for Four Threatened Asian Hornbills

Scientists from the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore and the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad have produced high‑quality reference genomes for four endangered Asian hornbill species: the great hornbill, rufous‑necked hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, and wreathed hornbill. Prior to this study, whole‑genome data existed for only two of the 32 hornbill species in the region. The team combined short‑read and long‑read DNA sequencing to build accurate genetic maps, reducing sequencing errors. Using statistical modeling, they traced population changes over time and found that climatic instability during the Pleistocene epoch lowered the effective population sizes of all four species, with the wreathed hornbill retaining a comparatively larger effective population. The new genomes provide a baseline for future research into the evolutionary history and conservation needs of these vulnerable birds.