Genetic Rescue: Latest Advances and Applications

Genetic rescue is the increase in individual or population fitness caused by new genetic variation. It typically involves the deliberate movement of genetically diverse individuals into small and isolated populations to reduce inbreeding and maladaptation while enhancing evolutionary potential. Despite growing interest, gaps in theory and empirical evidence have limited the wider application of genetic rescue in conservation biology. To address these gaps, we put together this Special Issue on Genetic Rescue. The issue assembles 21 original papers that evaluate or apply genetic rescue and related approaches in conservation. The contributions include empirical studies and simulations spanning diverse animal and plant species across varied ecological and socio-environmental contexts, alongside perspectives and syntheses. Collectively, they demonstrate the value of integrating population genomics and evolutionary biology into conservation, identify opportunities and limitations of genetic rescue, and underscore its potential to improve resilience, adaptive capacity, and the long-term persistence of biodiversity.