Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
Articles, External Publications, and Special Reports
Compromising genetic diversity in the wild:
Unmonitored large-scale release of plants and animals
Laikre, Linda; Schwartz, Michael K.; Waples, Robin S.; Ryman, Nils; Allendorf, F. W.; Baker, C. S.; Gregovich, D. P.; Hansen, M. M.; Jackson, J. A.; Kendall, K. C.; McKelvey, K.; Neel, M. C.; Olivieri, I.; Short Bull, R.; Stetz, J. B.; Tallmon, D. A.; Vojta, C. D.; Waller, D. M. 2010. Compromising genetic diversity in the wild: Unmonitored large-scale release of plants and animals. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 25: 520-529.
doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2010.06.013
Large-scale exploitation of wild animals and plants through fishing, hunting and logging often depends on augmentation through releases of translocated or captively raised individuals. Such releases are performed worldwide in vast numbers. Augmentation can be demographically and economically beneficial but can also cause four types of adverse genetic change to wild populations: (1) loss of genetic variation, (2) loss of adaptations, (3) change of population composition, and (4) change of population structure. While adverse genetic impacts are recognized and documented in fisheries, little effort is devoted to actually monitoring them. In forestry and wildlife management, genetic risks associated with releases are largely neglected. We outline key features of programs to effectively monitor consequences of such releases on natural populations.
Keywords: genetic diversity, large-scale release, genetic variation, adaptations, population composition, population structure
About PDFs: For best results, do not open the PDF in your Web browser. Right-click on the PDF link to download the PDF file directly to your computer. Click here for more PDF help.
Download Article
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/rmrs_2010_laikre_l001.pdf
PDF File Size: 360 K
Title: RMRS Other
Publications: Compromising genetic diversity in the wild: Unmonitored
large-scale release of plants and animals
Electronic Publish Date: March 15, 2012
Last Update: March
15, 2012