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Challenges to implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia

Perry, Iain, Jams, Ifan B, Casas-Mulet, Roser, Hamutoko, Josefina, Marchbank, Angela, Lendelvo, Selma, Naomab, Erold, Mapani, Benjamin, Creer, Simon, Wanke, Heike, Durance, Isabelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4138-3349 and Kille, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6023-5221 2022. Challenges to implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia. Frontiers in Environmental Science 9 , 773991. 10.3389/fenvs.2021.773991

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Abstract

By identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse. The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighbouring countries.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Biosciences
Water Research Institute (WATER)
Additional Information: This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY)
Publisher: Frontiers Media
ISSN: 2296-665X
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 15 November 2021
Date of Acceptance: 11 November 2021
Last Modified: 11 Aug 2023 12:45
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/145495

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