Effectiveness of Genetic Rescue In Conservation Of Species Essay (Essay Sample)

Effectiveness of Genetic Rescue In Conservation Of Species
Introduction
Genetic rescue is increasing the genetic diversity of a population; it can be natural or facilitated by humans. Inbreeding results from parents who are closely related, it leads to lower natural fertility and survival ( Viehl, 2008). Genetic rescue increases population fitness. Wild animals exist well in their natural habitat because of the ecological balance in nature. Alteration of their habitat may reduce their population and at times cause extinction. In that case, other individuals are brought in to supplement the population as a conservation measure. However, recovery cannot be fully guaranteed as the crossing o genes may not offer recovery.
The motivation behind ecological restoration and biodiversity restoration is; an increase in the diversity of species, preservation of indigenous species, the ability to function well in a wide range of landscape and to cope with climatic changes, and having disease resistant species. The success of genetic rescue is based on proper planning and careful examination of the endangered species. The first step is gathering all the available information about the genetically endangered species, getting to exactly what is happening. The information may include vulnerability to diseases, analyzing the genome consequences on some individuals so as to diagnose their situation and a hint on how well it is treated.