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Issue: Vol. 5802 No. 1: 1 May 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-05-01
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5802.1.7
Page range: 133-144
Abstract views: 77
PDF downloaded: 2

Genetic diversity and geographic distribution of Bubo bubo subspecies in Iran

Department of Biology; Yasouj University; Yasuj; Iran
Department of Animal Biology; Faculty of Biological Science; Kharazmi University; Tehran; Iran
Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Ilam University; Ilam; Iran
Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology; Heidelberg University; Im Neuenheimer Feld 364; 69120; Heidelberg; Germany
Jondi Shapour University; Ahwaz; Iran
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences; University of Gothenburg; Göteborg; Sweden
Aves Bubo bubo Iran mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b genetic diversity phylogenetic analysis population expansion

Abstract

The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) exhibits complex taxonomic structure with multiple subspecies across its broad geographic range. While much is known about the species in Europe and parts of Asia, the taxonomic status and distribution of B. bubo subspecies in Iran remain poorly understood. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial Cytb sequences of 36 samples across Iran revealed two rather weakly diverged clades: a western Iranian clade clustering with European (mostly German) samples, and an eastern/southern Iranian clade clustering with Chinese samples. Genetic diversity indices for the Iranian population were relatively low, with three identified haplotypes and low nucleotide and haplotype diversity. The findings are consistent with the presence of two subspecies, B. bubo nikolskii and B. bubo interpositus, 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 has implications for conservation and future taxonomic revisions of Bubo bubo.

 

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How to Cite

Shafaeipour, A., Rezazadeh, E., Fathinia, B., Wink, M., Hafezi, K. & Olsson, U. (2026) Genetic diversity and geographic distribution of Bubo bubo subspecies in Iran. Zootaxa, 5802 (1), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5802.1.7