Organism
Florida Panther
TL;DR
The Florida panther provides the most dramatic example of genetic rescue.
The Florida panther provides the most dramatic example of genetic rescue. By 1995, only 25-30 individuals remained, isolated in southern Florida with severe inbreeding depression: 90% of males had cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), sperm counts were abnormally low, and genetic diversity was extremely low. Eight female Texas pumas were introduced, and within one generation, hybrid offspring showed improved fitness. By 2007, the population had tripled to over 100 individuals.
Notable Traits of Florida Panther
- Genetic rescue success story
- Severe inbreeding depression reversed
- Population tripled post-intervention