Genetic Rescue and the conservation of small populations.

West, George (2025) Genetic Rescue and the conservation of small populations. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Genetic rescue is a key tool in the conservation of endangered species by alleviating inbreeding depression and enhancing adaptive potential. However, there is reluctance from conservation practitioners to attempt genetic rescue due to perceived risks. To overcome such concerns, we must expand our understanding of how gene flow from different sources affects inbred populations, allowing genetic rescue to be achieved safely. This thesis utilises the model species Tribolium castaneum to test how different rescuer characteristics affect the success of genetic rescue. In chapter two, I rescued inbred populations with rescuers of either sex from an outbred population; both were equally successful at achieving genetic rescue. I then attempted rescue of inbred populations using a rescuer originating from populations maintained under either sexual selection or no sexual selection. Results show that only the rescuers from a sexual selection background improved population fitness. In chapter three, I tested for differences in the success of genetic rescue using rescuers from either outbred or inbred source populations. As predicted a rescuer from an outbred population increased the fitness of recipient populations more compared to inbred rescuers. Whole genome analysis found that outbred rescuers reduced inbreeding within recipient populations more than inbred rescuers. Outbred rescuers also introduced more mutational load than did inbred rescuers, though importantly this was as masked load and did not appear to impact the fitness of the populations even after nine generations. Finally in chapter four, I used inbred populations previously adapted to higher temperatures to discover if genetic rescue would disrupt the local adaptation. Non-adapted rescuers still improved population fitness, however a rescuer from another adapted population produced greater fitness benefits. I then synthesise these findings in context of the wider literature to understand how they further our understanding of genetic rescue and how it may be implemented in conservation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 13:06
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 13:06
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/99670
DOI:

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