The Spatial and Temporal Variation of eDNA in Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) Detection in Alum Creek, Ohio
Loading...
Date
2022-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Nearly 90% of Ohio's aquatic species are reliant on streams, which face many threats that contribute to habitat loss. The common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a native Ohio salamander that inhabits rivers and streams. The conservation status of mudpuppies is currently unknown. Due to widespread riparian habitat loss and alteration, as well as modification of river flows, there is potential for mudpuppy populations to be extirpated from waterways where they historically occurred. To assess the current distribution of mudpuppies, a reliable surveillance method is needed. One such method is environmental DNA (eDNA), which allows for the detection of organisms without seeing, hearing, or capturing the organism itself. eDNA is DNA that is extracted from any type of environmental sample, such as soil, water, or air, that is produced from shedding, excreting, or decaying. eDNA is becoming more commonly used for studying and monitoring aquatic species, such as amphibians, fish, and mammals. Many factors, such as organism mass, sun exposure, temperature, distance to the organism, and seasonal activity can impact detection probabilities. In order to accurately quantify mudpuppy distributions using eDNA, factors that influence detection seasonally and in relation to potential mudpuppy habitat must be understood. Through a greater understanding of these variables, eDNA methods can become more reliable and efficient, allowing for data to be gathered on mudpuppy populations faster than traditional methods. In this study, I assess temporal and spatial aspects of mudpuppy detection when using eDNA in relation to environmental factors, hydrological factors, and habitat suitability. Results from this work will help refine protocols for future statewide surveillance of mudpuppies.
Description
Keywords
eDNA, Mudpuppy, environmental DNA, Necturus maculosus