Comment on Individual heterozygosity predicts translocation success in threatened desert tortoises

Scott et al. (Reports, 27 November 2020, p. 1086) suggest, on the basis of conclusions obtained from a desert tortoise reintroduction program, that higher genomic heterozygosity should be used to identify individuals for successful translocation. I contend that this recommendation is questionable given these relocated tortoises' unknown origin, their high mortality, insufficient data on resident tortoises and other components of fitness, and potential allelic dropout.

Automated summary

The recommendation to use higher genomic heterozygosity to identify individuals for successful translocation is questioned due to factors such as unknown origin, high mortality, insufficient data on resident tortoises, and potential allelic dropout.