Research and conservation priorities for domesticated birds’ wild counterparts

Abstract The viability and phenotypes of wild populations can be affected by hybridization with domesticated and/or feral conspecifics. These impacts can be quantified with increasing precision using emerging genomic and bioinformatic tools—raising concerns about the genetic make-up of contemporary wild, non-domesticated gene pools. Research and policy surrounding the wild forms of domestic species are primarily focussed on mammals and fishes, leaving abundant and ecologically significant taxa underexplored. Here, we review current knowledge of the patterns and consequences of wild–domestic–feral admixture on the wild counterparts of domesticated birds. First, we summarize the available information regarding conspecific wild populations of domesticated avian species—finding both genome-wide and more compartmentalized impacts of admixture. We synthesize this literature to illustrate how admixture can impact fitness and phenotypes, and we summarize the factors which can impact the extent of introgression. Last, we identify priority areas to stimulate necessary research and conservation activities. Specifically, we suggest priorities for research into domesticated birds’ wild counterparts to (1) deepen our understanding of patterns of wild–domestic–feral introgression, (2) identify the mechanisms underpinning the recruitment of domestic or feral alleles into wild populations, (3) increase awareness of the potential positive and negative consequences of such introgression, and (4) develop effective conservation strategies to maintain genetically distinctive wild-type avian populations.