Applying simple genomic workflows to optimise practical plant translocation outcomes

Abstract

Translocation is an important conservation tool for reducing the probability of extinction of threatened plants. It is also becoming an increasingly common management practice, as habitats are destroyed and climate change pushes more plants beyond the limits of their tolerances. Here we outline the case for informing translocations with dedicated genomic data. We begin by describing principles for using genomic and genetic approaches to enhance the efficiency and success of translocation actions. This includes ensuring that translocated populations are adaptively representative, diverse, and composed (to the greatest possible extent) of unrelated individuals. We then use two Australian case studies to illustrate how these principles have been applied in practice and in a resource-efficient way. For Prostanthera densa, we describe how genomic data have quantitatively informed complex decisions, such as whether, and how extensively, to mix individuals from spatially isolated populations in translocated populations. For Fontainea oraria, genomic data have been used during post-translocation monitoring to confirm that newly established populations incorporate and recombine the little diversity that remained in wild individuals. Overall, we illustrate how a simple workflow can support the development and planning of genomic studies and translocation activities in tandem. In order to ensure greater adoption of translocation genomic workflows, funding bodies in charge of biodiversity management and conservation must direct the necessary resources towards them.