Tuesday October 15, 2024
University of Montana —
New research led by University of Montana graduate Colter Feuerstein underscores the critical role of genetic variation in the conservation of threatened fish species.
Published recently in the journal Conservation Letters, the study focuses on westslope cutthroat trout, offering new insights into how mixing individuals from multiple genetically distinct populations can improve the viability of reintroduced fish populations.
Feuerstein, a graduate of UM’s Wildlife Biology program, conducted this research as part of his master’s project through the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. His study examined a conservation technique called “mixed-source reintroductions,” where fish from different populations are relocated into a new habitat.
The approach allows scientists to observe how genetic differences – meaning how varied the DNA is within a group – affect the health and success of these reintroduced populations.
The findings showed that trout with more genetic diversity were healthier and more likely to reproduce successfully. In addition, the mixing of individuals from distinct populations boosts genetic diversity and should give the reintroduced populations a better chance to persist as the environment changes.