International call for research samples | Genomic structure of Common Redshank & Lesser Sand Plover

A research team in Singapore, led by Dr. Frank Rheindt (National University of Singapore) and David Li (National Parks Board, Singapore), is embarking on a project to investigate the global population genomic structure of two shorebird species: the Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) and the Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus).

The team is currently seeking contributions of:

1. Common Redshank samples from sampling gaps in eastern Europe to Central Asia, China, far east Russia, and Japan;
2. Lesser Sand Plover samples from across its breeding range in east Russia and from Central Asia to China.

For significant contributions, we will be happy to confer co-authorship.

For both studies, Next-Generation sequencing approach (ddRADSeq) will be applied. This technique yields thousands of loci from throughout the genomes of these birds, but will require rather good DNA quality samples. Blood and muscle tissue or organ tissue samples would be best, but feathers sometimes also work if they are large and sturdy – such as large primaries and rectrices.

Interested contributors can get in touch with Dr Frank Rheindt (dbsrfe@nus.edu.sg) for more information and before samples are sent. A completed treatment letter with respective institution letterhead will be required for import permit application and can be downloaded at our lab website: https://avianevonus.com/documents/.

Shipments should always include the original treatment letter and import permit. Sample shipments can be addressed to:

Dr Frank Rheindt

Department of Biological Sciences

S3 Level 4

National University of Singapore

16 Science Drive 4

Singapore 117558

Republic of Singapore

 

Featured image: Common Redshank Tringa totanus, April 2017, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA. ©Christoph Müller.