Organism
Texas Puma
TL;DR
Eight female Texas pumas were introduced to the Florida panther population in 1995 as part of a genetic rescue operation.
Eight female Texas pumas were introduced to the Florida panther population in 1995 as part of a genetic rescue operation. These immigrants carried different alleles, increasing genetic diversity. Hybrid offspring (Florida panther × Texas puma) showed improved fitness: normal testicular descent, higher sperm counts, improved survival. The Texas pumas provided the genetic variation needed to counteract inbreeding depression.
Notable Traits of Texas Puma
- Donor population for genetic rescue
- Genetically differentiated but compatible subspecies