Integrating genomics in population models to forecast translocation success

Whole-genome sequencing is revolutionizing our understanding of organismal biology, including adaptations likely to influence demographic performance in different environments. Excitement over the potential of genomics to inform population dynamics has prompted multiple conservation applications, including genomics-based decision-making for translocation efforts. Despite interest in applying genomics to improve translocations, there is a critical research gap: we lack an understanding of how genomic differences translate into population dynamics in the real world. We review how genomics and genetics data could be used to inform organismal performance, including examples of how adaptive and neutral loci have been quantified in a translocation context, and future applications. Next, we discuss three main drivers of population dynamics: demographic structure, spatial barriers to movement, and introgression, and their consequences for translocations informed by genomic data. Finally, we provide a practical guide to different types of models, including size-structured and spatial models, that could be modified to include genomics data. We then propose a framework to improve translocation success by repeatedly developing, selecting, and validating forecasting models. By integrating lab-based and field-collected data with model-driven research, our iterative framework could address long-standing challenges in restoration ecology, such as when selecting locally adapted genotypes will aid translocation of plants and animals.

Automated summary

Whole-genome sequencing is changing the way we understand organismal biology and can inform population dynamics, but there is still much to learn about how genomic differences impact population dynamics in the real world. By using genomics and genetics data to inform organismal performance, we can better understand the drivers of population dynamics and improve translocation success through the development and validation of forecasting models. Integrating lab-based and field-collected data with model-driven research can help address challenges in restoration ecology and aid in the translocation of locally adapted genotypes.