{
  "abstract": "Arctic ecosystems are undergoing rapid climate warming, providing an opportunity to examine molecular evolution under environmental stress. Here, we used whole-genome resequencing to assess population structure, genetic diversity, and recent demographic history in the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), a highly mobile Arctic apex predator classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. We analysed genome-wide data from individuals sampled across the species' circumpolar range using a chromosome-level reference genome. Population genomic analyses revealed an absence of detectable population structure, indicating extensive gene flow and near-panmixia across continents. Genome-wide nucleotide diversity was low ({pi}= 2.47 x 10^(-4)), while runs of homozygosity were dominated by short tracts, indicating limited standing genetic variation despite little evidence for recent close inbreeding. Our demographic inference revealed a sustained decline in effective population size over the past ~1,600 years, a pronounced reduction coinciding with the Medieval Warm Period followed by a partial recovery during the subsequent cooler interval. This direct, measurable effect of past climate warming on effective population size raises concerns for the long-term survival of the snowy owl. Our results demonstrate that high connectivity and low levels of recent inbreeding have not necessarily buffered this species against climate-driven demographic erosion of genetic diversity. This study highlights the value of using whole-genome population genomics to inform genomic monitoring and conservation decision-making in rapidly changing environments.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [],
  "article_type": "New results",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 14,
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "E. L. G. Enevoldsen"
    },
    {
      "name": "D. Aguilar-Gomez"
    },
    {
      "name": "K.-O. Jacobsen"
    },
    {
      "name": "R. Solheim"
    },
    {
      "name": "I. J. Oien"
    },
    {
      "name": "T. Aarvak"
    },
    {
      "name": "S. N. K. Hoff"
    },
    {
      "name": "O. S. Kersten"
    },
    {
      "name": "K. L. Wiebe"
    },
    {
      "name": "J.-F. Therrien"
    },
    {
      "name": "I. Menyushina"
    },
    {
      "name": "R. Nielsen"
    },
    {
      "name": "S. Boessenkool"
    },
    {
      "name": "H. T. Baalsrud"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/1d0nft7ms6wrm.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.09.30.752484",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.30.752484v1.full",
  "id": "1d0nft7ms6wrm",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.30.752484v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "biorxiv",
      "genetics"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.30.752484v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-30",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/1d0nft7ms6wrm.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:26:16Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.09.30.752484",
      "source": "biorxiv",
      "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.30.752484v2"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "biorxiv:genetics",
      "subfield": "genetics-genomics"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Recent effective population size of the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) tracks historical climate variation",
  "title_text": "Recent effective population size of the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) tracks historical climate variation",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:26:19Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/1d0nft7ms6wrm",
  "venue": "bioRxiv",
  "versions": []
}