Predicting and prioritizing genetic diversity outcomes of animal translocations

To better understand the genetic outcomes of the translocation and inform future management strategies, we quantified the genetic diversity of translocated individuals, and then simulated how genetic diversity would erode over time under different scenarios: single translocation, additional augmentations, and rates of natural immigration. For such isolated populations, which are typical for many translocations, future augmentations and maintaining connectivity through the planning of a recovery network is critical to meet the stated goals of increasing genetic diversity and population persistence. In particular, we argue that an a priori assessment will improve translocation practices that define goals, feasibility, and adaptive strategies to maintain genetic diversity of at‐risk populations.