Genetic Rescue
Genetic rescue is a conservation strategy aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity and fitness of small or endangered populations of a species. It involves introducing new individuals or genes from a genetically distinct population into a small or struggling population. The primary goals of genetic rescue are to prevent inbreeding depression (a reduction in fitness due to mating between close relatives), increase genetic diversity, and improve the long-term survival prospects of the population. I am currently conducting research using the flour beetle as a model species to develop effective strategies for rescuing small populations due to environmental stressors.
