Environmental DNA (eDNA) detects the pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) at times when traditional monitoring methods are insensitive.

ABSTRACT: Detection of endangered species is invaluable for conservation efforts, yet many traditional sampling techniques are ineffective at low population abundances or during certain periods of the year. Here, we compared results from a newly developed eDNA approach and the traditional observational method for the endangered pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae). Analysis using an occupancy-modeling framework indicated that the probability of pools being occupied using eDNA (0.93) was higher than for the traditional method of counting calling males and silent observed individuals (0.72). Detailed analysis revealed complementarity among the methods. That is, the traditional method gave a high rate of observation in June, whereas eDNA gave at least as many or more observations during other parts of the y

SUBMITTER: Eiler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5882913 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature