Recovering a species has developed far beyond simply increasing the number of individuals of that species over time. Incorporating genetic analysis into conservation translocation programs is increasingly being used to improve the success of these programs by ensuring genetic diversity is not lost, thus maximising the chances of adaptability to a range of threats and future conditions.
This presentation discusses the conservation translocation of the rainforest tree Coastal Fontainea (Fontainea oraria: Euphorbiaceae) as an example of a successful genetic rescue program.
The critically endangered Coastal Fontainea was previously known from a population of only ten mature specimens and a small number of seedlings in littoral rainforest in northern NSW. Genetic studies identified lower genetic diversity amongst seedlings of the Coastal Fontainea, prompting a translocation program aimed at avoiding further loss of genetic variation. The translocation program was carefully designed to maximise opportunities for pollen exchange between plants, thus promoting genetic diversity.

Commencing in 2010, the translocation program currently consists of 22 sites containing representatives of all ten mature plants at each site. Many of these plants have flowered and produced fruit, and subsequent germination of seedlings under planted specimens has been prolific at a number of sites. The total number of plants is now over 5000 individuals.

Most significantly, genetic sampling of seedlings and seed produced from the translocation plantings indicates that unique combinations of parents are occurring in comparison to wild seedlings, including genetics from previously unrepresented wild adult plants in the seedling population, indicating the success of the translocation program.