A Chromosome-Level Reference Assembly and Annotation for the White-Faced Plover ( <i>Charadrius dealbatus</i> ) Genome

The Charadrius genus encompasses 36 species, each exhibiting a wide array of life histories and behaviors. Conspecific variations in mating systems and migratory behavior also exist in widely distributed species, such as the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). Recent years have witnessed the establishment of new species from distinct populations, such as the identification of the snowy plover (C. nivosus) and the white-faced plover (C. dealbatus) as separate species from the Kentish plover (C. alexandrinus) species complex. Studies on the phylogenetic relationships across the entire genus, as well as population genetics and adaptation to various climatic conditions, necessitate the support of a high-quality reference genome. Here, we successfully assembled the first high-quality genome for the white-faced plover. The genome size is 1.25 Gb, anchored on 31 chromosomes, with a contig-level N50 size of 23.62 Mb and a scaffold-level N50 of 84.07 Mb. The completeness of the C. dealbatus genome assembly is supported by the 97.3% completeness (BUSCO) and ultraconserved element (UCE) (4,889/5,041; 97.0%) loci retrieved. A total of 17,641 protein-coding genes were predicted among 19,648 pseudogenes, and the completeness of the genome annotation is 94.7% (BUSCO). The chromosome-level genome provides the availability of permanent genomic resources for advancing evolutionary and conservation genomic studies on the genus Charadrius.