Environmental DNA detection and quantification of invasive red-eared sliders, Trachemy scripta elegans, in ponds and the influence of water quality.

ABSTRACT: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful tool for monitoring the distribution of aquatic macro-organisms. However, environmental factors, including the water temperature and water quality, can affect the inhibition and/or degradation of eDNA, which complicates accurate estimations of eDNA concentrations and the detection of the presence/absence of species in natural habitats. Further very few eDNA studies have been conducted for reptiles, especially with respect to estimating their biomass and/or abundances. Here we examined the relationship between the visually-observed number of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and eDNA concentrations across 100 ponds. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of water quality on red-eared slider eDNA concentration in these ponds. We found

SUBMITTER: Kakuda A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6901006 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature