Contribution of genetic approaches to avian translocations: methods, goals and limitations

Contribution of genetic approaches to avian translocations: methods, goals and limitations | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Journal of Avian Biology This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 12 May 2026 V1 Latest version Share on Contribution of genetic approaches to avian translocations: methods, goals and limitations Authors : Adèle Erlichman 0000-0001-7413-8684 [email protected] , Juliette Birot [email protected] , Olivier Brisset [email protected] , and Léa AUCLAIR 0009-0009-6141-8121 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/authorea.15003040/v1 29 views 30 downloads Contents Abstract Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract In recent decades, conservation translocations have increasingly been implemented to restore bird populations, reduce extinction risk and re-establish ecological functions. Because translocated populations often originate from small founder groups and may remain small or isolated for several generations, genetic processes can influence their long-term viability. Yet monitoring of avian translocations still appears to rely mainly on demographic metrics, while the contribution of genetic approaches remains unevenly documented. Here, we examine how genetic approaches have been used in avian translocations at different stages, from pre-release assessment to post-release monitoring. We identify the main questions addressed, including founder selection, source population assessment, genetic diversity, inbreeding, effective population size and inbreeding depression, as well as the methods used, from pedigrees and molecular markers to genomic and simulation-based approaches. We also discuss how genetic data have informed management decisions and improved understanding of translocated population trajectories. Pre-release studies mainly aimed to guide founder choice by maximizing genetic diversity and minimizing relatedness among released individuals, with more recent genomic work also considering mutation load. Post-release studies, which represented the majority of cases considered, most often tracked changes in genetic diversity, inbreeding levels and effective population size through time, and sometimes assessed potential signs of inbreeding depression. However, these dimensions were rarely integrated within a single framework, and the markers used were not always well suited to the biological questions addressed. Despite these limitations, genetic studies have provided valuable insights for adaptive management, including the need for additional releases, the identification of suitable source populations, and the detection or dismissal of potential genetic threats. We encourage the complementary integration of genetic approaches into avian translocation programs, both pre-release and post-release. When feasible, genome-wide approaches should be prioritized to better capture genomic inbreeding, mutation load and other evolutionary processes that may influence long-term population viability. Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 12 May 2026 Collection Journal of Avian Biology Keywords conservation translocation genetic monitoring birds post-release monitoring conservation genomics eco-immunology maternal effects hormones life-history ageing Authors Affiliations Adèle Erlichman 0000-0001-7413-8684 [email protected] CESCO, Paris, France View all articles by this author Juliette Birot [email protected] CESCO, Paris, France View all articles by this author Olivier Brisset [email protected] CESCO, Paris, France View all articles by this author Léa AUCLAIR 0009-0009-6141-8121 [email protected] CESCO, Paris, France View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 29 views 30 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Adèle Erlichman, Juliette Birot, Olivier Brisset, et al. Contribution of genetic approaches to avian translocations: methods, goals and limitations. Authorea . 12 May 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/authorea.15003040/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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