Interspecific introgression increases genetic diversity and reduces genetic load in red kites
Madeline A. Chase, Valentina Peona, Fritjof Lammers, Marta Burri, Urs G. Kormann, Patrick Scherler, Martin U. Grüebler, Susanne Åkesson, Carole Attié, Dana Berens, Julio Blas, Nina Farwig, Egidio Fulco, Aurel Gallois, Liza Glesener, , Reto Burri
The paper shows introgression from black kites into red kites increased genetic diversity and reduced genetic load in northern red kites by 18%.
bioRxiv · Oct 29, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology