A Saudi achievement decodes the genetic code of falcons and promotes their global conservation
In a qualitative scientific step that reflects the integration of scientific research with cultural heritage, a Saudi research team led by Dr. Abdul Wahed Al-Rifai succeeded in completing an advanced project to analyze the complete genomes of two of the most prominent local falcons in the Kingdom, the Al-Wakri falcon and the The mountain peregrine falcon, using PacBio technology, in an achievement that is considered the first of its kind in the Kingdom for these two species.
The results of this work were published in the specialized international scientific journal G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics, which reflects the scientific importance of the project and its place within international efforts in studying biological genomes.
Genetic database
This achievement represents a pivotal step in the study of Wildlife, especially falcons, which have a special status in the Kingdom, as the project contributed to building a reference genetic database for local falcons, which was registered with NCBI, which supports national efforts to protect species, preserve biodiversity, and enhance breeding and reintroduction programs.
Dr. Al-Rifai explained that whole genome sequencing techniques provide an accurate understanding of the genetic structure of falcons, and enable comparison of genetic diversity between individuals and species, which opens broad horizons for scientific applications. Multiple, including improving breeding programs, monitoring hybridization, and supporting studies of genetic diseases in birds of prey.
Biodiversity
This project comes in the context of a growing scientific trend to benefit from whole genome techniques in studying wild organisms, similar to the global projects that contributed to drawing genomic maps of different types of falcons, and adopting them as scientific references in the fields of evolutionary genetics and wildlife conservation, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in supporting scientific research and preserving biodiversity.
Dr. Al-Rifai indicated that the idea of the project stemmed from the state’s interest. – May God protect it – by preserving falcons, as a cultural and environmental symbol that reflects the depth of National identity in addition to its role in promoting the national strategy for the environment and the national strategy for preserving biodiversity.
This scientific achievement highlights the importance of the Saudi falcon not only as a heritage symbol rooted in local culture, but as a vital element in the environmental diversity system, requiring integration between science and identity to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
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