Genetic rescue is a conservation strategy aimed at increasing the genetic diversity of endangered species. This approach involves introducing individuals from different populations to enhance genetic variation, which can improve the species' ability to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.
By boosting genetic diversity, genetic rescue can help prevent inbreeding depression, a situation where closely related individuals breed, leading to reduced fitness and survival rates. This method has been applied to various species, including the Florida panther and California condor, to support their recovery and long-term survival in the wild.