Whole-Genome Evaluation of Genetic Rescue: The Case of a Curiously Isolated and Endangered Butterfly.

ABSTRACT: Genetic rescue, or the translocation of individuals among populations to augment gene flow, can help ameliorate inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive potential in small and isolated populations. Genetic rescue is currently under consideration for an endangered butterfly in Canada, the Half-moon Hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna). A small, unique population persists in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, isolated from other populations by more than 400 km. However, whether genetic rescue would actually be helpful has not been evaluated. Here, we generate the first chromosome-level genome assembly and whole-genome resequence data for the species. We find that the Alberta population maintains extremely low genetic diversity and is genetically very divergent from the nearest populations in

SUBMITTER: MacDonald ZG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11789553 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature