Mustela nigripes Raw sequence reads
The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) population genomics project aims to understand the genetic diversity, population structure, inbreeding and genetic load of one of most endangered carnivore in North America. Once thought extinct, the species was rediscovered in the 1980s and revived through an intensive captive-breeding and reintroduction program. Using high-throughput sequencing and whole-genome analyses, the project examines patterns of heterozygosity, inbreeding, and deleterious load across both captive and wild populations. By integrating functional annotation and demographic inference, the study not only assesses how genetic bottlenecks have shaped current variation but also provides guidance for future management decisions, including genetic rescue and breeding strategies. Ultimately, the project combines conservation genomics with applied wildlife management to ensure the long-term survival of the black-footed ferret in the wild.