Transcript Paul Franklin, Thomson Ecology

Innovations in Newt Survey
and
Collaboration on Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Applications in Ecological Consultancy
Paul Franklin
Principal Ecologist – Thomson Ecology
“See, Frank? Keep the light in their eyes and you can bag them
without any trouble at all”
• eDNA is better than traditional methods for
detecting the presence of great crested newts
• eDNA samples are far less time consuming to collect
than traditional methods and results are rapid
• eDNA is more cost effective than conventional
methods if GCN absent
The methodology
for eDNA sampling
must follow the
technical advice
note: Defra Science
and Research
Project WC1067
For great crested newts technique can be used between April
15th and June 30th (Natural England Guidance 2015)
Species for which eDNA method has been tested
Great Crested Newt
Ponds – 91 to 99%
Ostrich
Soil – 14%
European Weatherfish
Ponds/Ditches – 75 to 100%
European Pond Terrapin
Ponds – 60 to 100%
Eurasian Otter
Rivers/Streams – 27%
Red Swamp Crayfish
Ponds – 73%
Using eDNA metabarcoding a list of species can be generated from an eDNA sample
Future Applications for the use of eDNA in Ecological
Consultancy
• Presence / likely absence survey for other protected
species e.g. otter, water vole, fish, invertebrates
• Rapid biodiversity assessment of aquatic ecosystems
e.g. species lists for fish and invertebrates
• Detection of invasive species e.g. aquatic plants, fish,
crayfish
• Water quality monitoring through detection of sensitive
invertebrate organisms e.g. stonefly and mayfly
• Rare species population monitoring
• Monitoring the impacts of environmental change