Using eDNA to develop a national citizen science-based monitoring programme for the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)

Biggs, Jeremy; Ewald, Naomi C.; Valentini, Alice; Gaboriaud, Coline; Déjean, Tony; Griffiths, Richard A.; Foster, Jim; Wilkinson, John W.; Arnell, Andy; Brotherton, Peter; Williams, Penny; Dunn, Francesca

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2014.11.029

Cited by 437 publications

(508 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…There is increasing evidence that genetic surveillance methods are more sensitive than conventional approaches (Jerde et al 2011;Thomsen et al 2012a, b;Turner et al 2012;Biggs et al 2015;, which means that eDNA detections are possible even when sampling with conventional gear fails-especially at the putative invasion front when target organisms are rare (Darling and Mahon 2011;Jerde et al 2011;Dejean et al 2012). Controlled experiments that directly compare the sensitivity of eDNA sampling and conventional sampling methods when target species are at low abundance would be helpful (Darling and Mahon 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A sensitive environmental DNA (eDNA) assay leads to new insights on Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) spread in North America

et al. 2016

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Detection of invasive species before or soon after they establish in novel environments is critical to prevent widespread ecological and economic impacts. Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance and monitoring is an approach to improve early detection efforts. Here we describe a large-scale conservation application of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay with a case study for surveillance of a federally listed nuisance species (Ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua) in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Using current Ruffe distribution data and predictions of future Ruffe spread derived from a recently developed model of ballast-mediated dispersal in US waters of the Great Lakes, we designed an eDNA surveillance study to target Ruffe at the putative leading edge of the invasion. We report a much more advanced invasion front for Ruffe than has been indicated by conventional surveillance methods and we quantify rates of false negative detections (i.e. failure to detect DNA when it is present in a sample). Our results highlight the important role of eDNA surveillance as a sensitive tool to improve early detection efforts for aquatic invasive species and draw attention to the need for an improved understanding of detection errors. Based on axes that reflect the weight of eDNA evidence of species presence and the likelihood of secondary

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A sensitive environmental DNA (eDNA) assay leads to new insights on Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) spread in North America

et al. 2016

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“…Furthermore, the generic nature of some environmental samples, such as water, makes eDNA sampling amenable to automation, and opportunities abound for integrating genomic data collection and analysis with remote sensing technologies that traditionally focus on electromagnetic, acoustic, or other data. These same features may also open the door to conservation and research efforts at unprecedented geographic scales by engaging citizen scientists to aid with environmental sample collection (Biggs et al 2014).…”

Section: Remote and Autonomous Sampling And Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

The ecology of environmental DNA and implications for conservation genetics

2015

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Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to the genetic material that can be extracted from bulk environmental samples such as soil, water, and even air. The rapidly expanding study of eDNA has generated unprecedented ability to detect species and conduct genetic analyses for conservation, management, and research, particularly in scenarios where collection of whole organisms is impractical or impossible. While the number of studies demonstrating successful eDNA detection has increased rapidly in recent years, less research has explored the ''ecology'' of eDNA-myriad interactions between extraorganismal genetic material and its environment-and its influence on eDNA detection, quantification, analysis, and application to conservation and research. Here, we outline a framework for understanding the ecology of eDNA, including the origin, state, transport, and fate of extraorganismal genetic material. Using this framework, we review and synthesize the findings of eDNA studies from diverse environments, taxa, and fields of study to highlight important concepts and knowledge gaps in eDNA study and application. Additionally, we identify frontiers of conservation-focused eDNA application where we see the most potential for growth, including the use of eDNA for estimating population size, population genetic and genomic analyses via eDNA, inclusion of other indicator biomolecules such as environmental RNA or proteins, automated sample collection and analysis, and consideration of an expanded array of creative environmental samples. We discuss how a more complete understanding of the ecology of eDNA is integral to advancing these frontiers and maximizing the potential of future eDNA applications in conservation and research.

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“…It is increasingly being used in quantitative surveys of aquatic ecosystems (Thomsen and Willerslev 2015). eDNA assays often provide improved detectability over traditional survey methods, but they also pose unique challenges including non-standardized protocols, PCR inhibition, and environmental influences on DNA degradation rates (Olson et al 2012;Bohmann et al 2014;Biggs et al 2015). Further, the use of eDNA techniques for the detection of semi-aquatic species in ephemeral wetlands (e.g.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Development, validation, and evaluation of an assay for the detection of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) in environmental DNA

Spangler

Huettmann

Herriott

et al. 2017

Conservation Genet Resour

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Using eDNA to develop a national citizen science-based monitoring programme for the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)

Cited by 437 publications

References 35 publications

A sensitive environmental DNA (eDNA) assay leads to new insights on Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) spread in North America

A sensitive environmental DNA (eDNA) assay leads to new insights on Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) spread in North America

The ecology of environmental DNA and implications for conservation genetics

Development, validation, and evaluation of an assay for the detection of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) in environmental DNA

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