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While falcons have evolved rapidly to become top predators, they are still vulnerable to rapid habitat loss, environmental changes, overexposure to pesticides and overharvesting for falconry.

A study published this week in Nature Genetics looks at the evolutionary history of two falcons: the peregrine falcon – who is the fastest predator in the world, clocked at speeds of 320 Km/h; and the saker, an endangered falcon that is popular in the Middle East and is the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates.

According to the researchers, the two falcons may have diverged 2.1 million years ago. They have rapidly evolved over the years, receiving their distinctive long, wide and curved beaks as well as superior sight to help then in hunting.

However, while the genome of the two falcons offers many clues about their past, there is much to learn there that can help in future conservation efforts and adaptation for these predators. The saker, which is predominantly found in hot weathers and deserts, has evolved genes that help it survive in the arid conditions of its habitats. The falcon has several copies of genes that are responsible for water conservation in the kidneys. Sakers secrete more sodium and chloride in their urine than peregrines, which helps them maintain their osmotic equilibrium.

“The data presented in this study will advance our understanding of the adaptive evolution of raptors as well as aid the conservation of endangered falcon species,” says Shenkai Pan, a bioinformaticist from BGI and one of the lead authors of the study.

Both the peregrines and sakers appear in many places around the world, and their conservation status varies across the globe. Where the peregrines used to be widespread almost all over the world, they became vulnerable in North America due to pesticide use and hunting. Sakers are currently endangered in the Arabian peninsula, mainly due to thousands being hunted every year in the United Arab Emirates, while a strong population still remains in Hungary.

Knowing the genetic basis of the wide diversity these falcons show in habitat can help conservationists put down long-term plans to save the falcons. This look into the past can also help understand the future of these birds of prey, and can help scientists know what they can – and what they can’t – survive.