eDNA Amphibian Pilot
Categories: DNA
Status: Completed
About the Project
The ABMI strives to continuously improve our monitoring program by exploring new technologies that are cost and time effective and produce scientifically sound data.
In the spring of 2020, we initiated a pilot project with Innotech Alberta to explore the effectiveness of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology for monitoring amphibians in wetland habitats. The objectives of the project were to:
- Develop field protocols to collect amphibian DNA in open water wetlands.
- Develop and test primers for target amphibian species.
- Compare the detection ability of eDNA to the current monitoring methods employed by the ABMI (Autonomous Recording Units).
What is eDNA?
eDNA refers to DNA fragments that are shed by organisms in the environment, and to the group of technologies and methodologies used to detect this DNA in environmental samples and attribute it to specific organisms. The technique can detect species without having to collect or observe specimens. This can reduce field time and the impact of field activities on target species and habitats. eDNA is also well suited to detecting rare and elusive species and to all life stages of a species (e.g., egg, larvae, adult).
Questions? Get in touch.
Our Approach
At four wetlands in the Edmonton area, we surveyed amphibian presence by collecting eDNA and sound recordings throughout the summer. Our eDNA collection methods were based on those originally developed by Brian Eaton’s team at InnoTech Alberta. The eDNA was collected by filtering 3-liter water samples at three locations. One autonomous recording unit (ARU) collected sound recordings at the site periodically throughout every day. Amphibians were identified by their calls from a random selection of these recordings.
Photo: Brandon Allen
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) is a target species that has been detected at various project sites.
Project Impact
The results indicated that both monitoring methods (eDNA and ARUs) had advantages depending on the target species. Tiger Salamanders were only detected by eDNA at two sites. This result makes sense because Tiger Salamanders don't broadcast calls. Additionally, a Western Toad was detected at one site by the ARU but not eDNA. The project revealed that eDNA is a valuable tool in the monitoring tool box and that the efficiency of using either method depends on species-specific life history and site conditions. Due to the nature of eDNA sampling (requires less exhaustive surveys), the difficulties in identifying certain species, and our requirement for reliable trend data, eDNA may serve to complement or modernize some of our current sampling protocols.
eDNA is a new and promising method with the potential to increase the efficiency of monitoring a wide array of taxa. We are currently exploring the possibility of incorporating DNA monitoring methods for macroinvertebrates and vascular plants.
See more of our projects and ongoing work.
Wetland Genomics Project
This project will help to expand our understanding of the cumulative effects of intensive agriculture and climate change in aquatic ecosystems while expanding the use of new techniques in environmental genomics to support large-scale monitoring of aquatic invertebrates and plants.
Grande Cache Area and Willmore Wilderness Park Recreation and Wildlife Study
Led by Alberta Environment and Parks and the Grande Cache Trails Working Group, this project’s goal is to collect information on recreational use and wildlife in the Willmore Wilderness Park and nearby public lands.
Landscape Connectivity Assessment for Biodiversity and Land Management
Connectivity planning is a key component of managing land and biodiversity.
