Genetic Diversity, Taxonomic Insights and Geographic Distribution of Bubo bubo Subspecies in Iran

Abstract

The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) exhibits a complex taxonomic structure with multiple subspecies across its broad geographic range, including southwestern Asia. While much is known about the species distribution in Europe and Asia, the taxonomic status and distribution of B. bubo subspecies in Iran remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the genetic diversity and taxonomic relationships of B. bubo subspecies in Iran through mitochondrial gene analysis, focusing on nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene. A total of 36 samples collected from diverse localities across Iran, representing different ecological regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades: one comprising western Iranian samples clustering with European (mostly from Germany) samples, and the other consisting of eastern and southern Iranian samples that shared haplotypes with populations from China. Notably, the western Iranian clade exhibited a minimal genetic distance from European populations, while the eastern Iranian clade was genetically similar to Chinese B. bubo subspecies, including B. bubo turkomanus. The genetic diversity indices for the Iranian population were relatively low, with three identified haplotypes and low nucleotide and haplotype diversity. Demographic analyses indicated a potential population expansion for the species, supported by a unimodal mismatch distribution and negative neutrality indices, although these results were not statistically significant for the Iranian population. The findings suggest that two subspecies, B. bubo nikolskii and B. bubo interpositus, are likely present in Iran, aligning with recent taxonomic assessments, but further investigation with additional genetic markers is needed to clarify the deeper evolutionary relationships among these populations. This study contributes new insights into the genetic landscape of B. bubo in Iran and the broader Palearctic region, with implications for conservation and future taxonomic revisions. Simple SummaryThis study examines the genetic diversity, taxonomic relationships, and geographic distribution of Bubo bubo subspecies in Iran, utilizing mitochondrial gene analysis, with a particular focus on the cytochrome b (cytb) gene. The research, based on 36 samples from various regions in Iran, reveals two distinct clades: one aligning with European populations and the other sharing haplotypes with Chinese subspecies. While genetic diversity in Iranian populations was relatively low, the findings highlight the presence of B. bubo nikolskii and B. bubo interpositus subspecies in Iran, emphasizing the importance of further genetic investigations for conservation and taxonomic revisions in the Palearctic region.