The critically endangered vaquita is not doomed to extinction by inbreeding depression

In cases of severe wildlife population decline, a key question is whether recovery efforts will be impeded by genetic factors, such as inbreeding depression. Decades of excess mortality from gillnet fishing have driven Mexico's vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) to similar to 10 remaining individuals. We analyzed whole-genome sequences from 20 vaquitas and integrated genomic and demographic information into stochastic, individual-based simulations to quantify the species' recovery potential. Our analysis suggests that the vaquita's historical rarity has resulted in a low burden of segregating deleterious variation, reducing the risk of inbreeding depression. Similarly, genome-informed simulations suggest that the vaquita can recover if bycatch mortality is immediately halted. This study provides hope for vaquitas and other naturally rare endangered species and highlights the utility of genomics in predicting extinction risk.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the genome sequences of the vaquita porpoise in Mexico and simulated the species' recovery potential. The research found that the vaquita's historical rarity reduced the risk of inbreeding depression, and it can recover if gillnet fishing is immediately halted.