Genetic variation and hybridization determine the outcomes of conservation reintroductions

The preservation of genetic variation is fundamental in biodiversity conservation, yet its importance for population viability remains contentious. Mixed-source reintroductions, where individuals are translocated into a single vacant habitat from multiple genetically divergent and often depauperate populations, provide an opportunity to evaluate how genetic variation and hybridization influence individual- and relative population fitness. Population genetic theory predicts that individuals with higher genetic variation and hybrids among populations should have higher fitness. We tested these hypotheses by analyzing individual and population-scale data for translocated westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) and their offspring in four mixed-source reintroductions. We observed more hybrid and fewer nonhybrid offspring than expected across four independent mixed-source reintroductions. We also found clear evidence that heterozygosity predicted individual reproductive- and ..., , , # Genetic variation and hybridization determine the outcomes of conservation reintroductions

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.sxksn0380](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.sxksn0380)

## Description of the data and file structure

These data were collected from several westslope cutthroat trout populations in southwest Montana to better understand native species reintroduction outcomes. Data contain both demographic (length, weight, site collected, population of origin, year sampled, etc.) and genetic data for individuals sampled throughout this study.

### Files and variables

#### File: SF_Greenhorn_RAD_Data_NOT_FILTERED.csv

**Description:** RAD capture sequencing data (genetic data) for donor fish translocated into SF Greenhorn Creek and their offspring sampled following translocation events. This is the unfiltered dataset, meaning no genetic filtering steps (described in the supplemental) have been performed with this dataset. This genetic data set is separate from the other genetic data...,