Genetic management of wildlife species is a recent approach to preventing extinction. Wildlife genetic management involves assessing the level of genetic variation within a population, intervening if needed, and monitoring outcomes. The central goals of genetic management are to maintain genetic variability and avoid inbreeding, in order to maximize the long-term viability of populations.

A key intervention in genetic management is ‘genetic rescue’ – a process that increases a population’s fitness by introducing new genetic variation via breeding with cloned, captive bred, or translocated individuals. Using proof-of-concept methods, Dr. Sasha Pavolva and Dr. Paul Sunnucks at Monash University developed five compelling case studies for genetic rescue. They used translocation and hybridization to increase genetic variation in endangered Australian species, including button wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides), feather-leaved banksia (Banksia brownii), Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix), and Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). These successful examples were crucial for highlighting the value of genetic rescue in wildlife management.

Now, these researchers are partnering with conservation stakeholders to upscale these methods and provide genetic rescue services to conservation managers around the world.