Genomic Evaluation of Assisted Gene Flow Options in an Endangered Rattlesnake.

ABSTRACT: Assisted gene flow is used to counteract genetic erosion in small populations of endangered species, yet an evaluation of genetic compatibility of potential donor populations and recipient populations is rare. We developed new metrics for assessing the genetic impact of genetic augmentation based on genotype identity of functional variants between donor and recipient genomes and used these metrics to evaluate options for assisted gene flow in Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) populations in Ohio, USA. We used putatively deleterious variants and genetic variants likely under positive selection (termed 'adaptive' variants) as the two components of functional variation. For potential donor and recipient populations, we estimated three key aspects of genetic compatibility: (

SUBMITTER: Mathur S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12329626 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature