Further evaluation of the genetic consequences of translocations on southeastern white-tailed deer populations

Restocking programs were significant components of initiatives that restored white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations to the southeastern United States. However, past studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the effectiveness and consequences of translocations on the genetic structure of southeastern deer. We conducted further analysis of published datasets via matrix comparison methods to resolve these differences. Our analysis suggests translocations have had substantial and persistent effects on the genetic composition of deer populations into which translocated individuals were released. Regional and long-distance translocations influenced local populations by reducing the relationship between genetic differentiation and geographic distance among populations, and concordance between patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and allozyme variation. Strong associations of geographic and genetic distance among populations not directly receiving restocked deer indicate the genetic contributions of translocations are localized due to limited dispersal. Coastal island populations may warrant additional protective measures because they retain much of the historic genetic structure of southeastern white-tailed deer and may represent reservoirs of unique genetic material.