Rock Buntings in Central Europe: Phylogeographic connectivity and a current inventory in the Upper Middle Rhine valley

A long-term study of the Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) in Germany's Upper Middle Rhine Valley reveals unexpected genetic connectivity among its subpopulations, despite a continuous decline. Contrary to expectations, analysis of 122 samples—using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b gene) and nuclear microsatellite markers—showed no geographic clustering, indicating ongoing gene flow between populations along the Middle Rhine, Nahe, Main, Moselle, and Ahr rivers. This challenges assumptions about isolation in fragmented habitats, such as rocky vineyards, where the species is increasingly threatened.

Wink, M., Sauer-Gürth, H., Willems, H., & Schuphan, I. (2025). Rock Buntings in Central Europe: Phylogeographic connectivity and a current inventory in the Upper Middle Rhine valley. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.20.644321