Maximising evolutionary potential in functional proxies for extinct species: a conservation genetic perspective on de-extinction

Abstract

De-extinction sensu stricto is the resurrection of phenotypic traits once possessed by extinct species to create extant functional proxies. To realise the ecological benefit of de-extinction, self-sustaining (genetically viable) populations of functional proxies are required. It is often implied, yet rarely stated, that the genetic challenges associated with the survival and recovery of extant threatened species in an effort to conserve biodiversity are also relevant to the use of functional proxies of extinct species as a conversation tool. Here, we highlight the importance of prioritising evolutionary potential − the capacity to evolve (adapt) in response to environmental change − in populations of functional proxies. We use conservation genetic principles to describe impediments to the creation and maintenance of evolutionary potential as a series of potentially unavoidable genetic bottlenecks (pre-extinction, resurrection, captive, translocation). To give any successfully translocated populations of functional proxies the best chance to survive beyond the first few generations in the wild, we advocate the use of a holistic framework that includes the creation of sufficiently large, genetically diverse populations that harbour the ability to adapt to a changing environment. A lay summary is available for this article.