Is supplementation an efficient management action to increase genetic diversity in translocated populations?

Summary It is generally assumed that population supplementation will improve the genetic diversity of the recipient populations. However, the genetic outcomes of supplementations are rarely tested. We used population modelling to predict how the supplementation programme in a translocated Woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) population influences their genetic makeup. Our model projections were then compared against real genetic data collected before and after supplementation, to determine whether or not supplementation was effective at increasing genetic diversity and to test the accuracy of the model. Post‐supplementation genetic diversity parameters (heterozygosity and allelic richness) were significantly higher following supplementation, and there was no significant difference from those predicted by the model. These results are encouraging; however, many factors can influence supplementation outcomes and we recommend ongoing monitoring in translocated populations to ensure that population trends are on target.