Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Although human fragmentation of freshwater habitats is ubiquitous, the genetic consequences of isolation and a roadmap to address them are poorly documented for most fishes. This is unfortunate, because translocation for genetic rescue could help mitigate problems. We used genetic data (32 SNPs) from 203 populations of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) to (1) document the effect of fragmentation on genetic variation and population structure, (2) identify candidate populations for genetic rescue, and (3) quantify the potential benefits of strategic translocation efforts. Human-isolated populations had substantially lower genetic variation and elevated genetic differentiation, indicating that many populations are strongly influenced by random genetic drift. Based on simple criteria, 23 populations were candidates for genetic rescue, which represented a majority (51%) of suitable populations in one major region (Missouri drainage). Population genetic theory suggests that translocation of a small number of individuals (∼5 adults) from nearby populations could dramatically increase heterozygosity by up to 58% (average across populations). This effort provides a clear template for future conservation of westslope cutthroat trout, while simultaneously highlighting the potential need for similar efforts in many freshwater species.

中文翻译：

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西坡残酷鳟鱼的遗传变异表明，广泛的遗传拯救是必要的

加拿大渔业和水生科学杂志，印刷前。
尽管人类对淡水栖息地的分裂无处不在，但对于大多数鱼类来说，隔离的遗传后果和解决这些问题的路线图却鲜有记载。这是不幸的，因为基因拯救的易位可以帮助缓解问题。我们使用来自 203 个西坡割喉鳟 (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) 种群的遗传数据 (32 个 SNP) 来 (1) 记录碎片化对遗传变异和种群结构的影响，(2) 确定遗传拯救的候选种群，以及 (3)量化战略转移工作的潜在好处。人类隔离种群的遗传变异显着降低，遗传分化升高，这表明许多种群受到随机遗传漂变的强烈影响。基于简单的标准，23 个种群是基因拯救的候选种群，占一个主要地区（密苏里州流域）合适种群的大多数（51%）。种群遗传理论表明，从附近种群中转移一小部分个体（约 5 个成年人）可以使杂合性显着增加高达 58%（种群平均值）。这项工作为未来保护西坡凶猛鳟鱼提供了一个清晰的模板，同时强调了在许多淡水物种中进行类似工作的潜在需求。种群遗传理论表明，从附近种群中转移一小部分个体（约 5 个成年人）可以使杂合性显着增加高达 58%（种群平均值）。这项工作为未来保护西坡凶猛鳟鱼提供了一个清晰的模板，同时强调了在许多淡水物种中进行类似工作的潜在需求。种群遗传理论表明，从附近种群中转移一小部分个体（约 5 个成年人）可以使杂合性显着增加高达 58%（种群平均值）。这项工作为未来保护西坡凶猛鳟鱼提供了一个清晰的模板，同时强调了在许多淡水物种中进行类似工作的潜在需求。