Inbreeding, genetic rescue and consequences of captive breeding in endangered species

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Approximately 30-50% of vertebrate species worldwide are experiencing severe population declines as a result of environmental change and human impact. Safeguarding species for the future requires a clear understanding of population-level ecological, demographic and genetic processes. The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is one of the most endangered mammals in Canada and, similar to other species, the strategy currently employed to save these animals involves captive breeding and reintroduction. While this strategy has shown short-term success by increasing the number of marmots in the wild, we do not know how these reintroduced marmots are contributing to the ecological and evolutionary potential (i.e. fitness effects) for long-term recovery of the species. My long-term research goal is to understand the dynamic interactions between ecological effects and evolutionary potential and how we can influence these processes to rescue endangered populations. Over the next five years, my students and I will determine how captivity and reintroduction has changed genetic diversity and individual fitness of Vancouver Island marmots, and what implications these changes have on the long-term survival of the species. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms we will compare the ecological and evolutionary potential of captive and wild populations through assessments of inbreeding and relative fitness costs, mate choice and reproductive success and the effects that reintroduced marmots have on ecological, social and genetic structure of wild populations. These outcomes will provide a basis for determining effectiveness and consequences of captive breeding and reintroduction rescue efforts. Ultimately, this research will greatly improve our understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics and will serve as a model example for rescue strategies in other endangered species worldwide.