Population genomic analysis of Mahoenui giant wētā ( <i>Deinacrida mahoenui</i> ) reveals minimal reduction in genomic diversity following translocation

Abstract The Mahoenui giant wētā (MGW), Deinacrida mahoenui (Insecta: Orthoptera), is an Aotearoa New Zealand endemic insect of conservation concern. Conservation management of this species includes a history of translocation to reduce extinction risk. However, translocations can create artificial bottlenecks which may reduce the genetic diversity of the translocated population, limiting their ability to adapt to future environmental change. We now have the opportunity to use genetic tools to assess the impacts of past translocations and use these to optimise current translocation approaches and develop methods for monitoring genetic diversity and future maintenance of diversity. Using a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach, we found low levels of differentiation and population structuring between the source and one reintroduced population, and similar relatively low levels of genetic diversity in both populations. Informed by these results, we recommend that these populations be managed as a single unit by continuing with regular translocations creating gene flow to maintain genetic diversity.