Citation
Genetic Restoration of the Florida Panther
TL;DR
Eight Texas pumas introduced to ~25 Florida panthers in 1995
Documents the 1995 genetic rescue of the Florida panther, demonstrating that calibrated gene flow (8 Texas pumas into 25-30 Florida panthers = 32% migration) can rescue severely inbred populations. Within one generation, genetic health improved dramatically and population tripled.
Provides the key insight that corporate acquisitions invert this logic: large companies impose 100% migration on small acquired teams, overwhelming rather than rescuing distinctive capabilities.
Key Findings from Johnson et al. (2010)
- Eight Texas pumas introduced to ~25 Florida panthers in 1995
- Genetic heterozygosity doubled within one generation
- Inbreeding correlates (cryptorchidism, kinked tails) declined
- Population tripled from ~25 to >100 by 2007
- Moderate migration rate (32%) preserved Florida characteristics while introducing variation