EDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment, generalist predators as sampling assistants.

ABSTRACT: With an accelerating negative impact of anthropogenic actions on natural ecosystems, non-invasive biodiversity assessments are becoming increasingly crucial. As a consequence, the interest in the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) survey techniques has increased. The use of eDNA extracted from faeces from generalist predators, have recently been described as "biodiversity capsules" and suggested as a complementary tool for improving current biodiversity assessments. In this study, using faecal samples from two generalist omnivore species, the Eurasian badger and the red fox, we evaluated the applicability of eDNA metabarcoding in determining dietary composition, compared to macroscopic diet identification techniques. Subsequently, we used the dietary information obtained to assess its

SUBMITTER: Norgaard L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7994446 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature