Environmental DNA picks up traces
of elusive mammals' saliva, skin, waste, exhaled breaths
Date: March 19, 2018
Source: US Geological Survey
Summary:
Scientists have developed the
first laboratory test that picks up traces of manatees' genetic material in
waterways. The environmental DNA test shows whether one or more of the elusive
marine mammals has been in the area in the past month.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists
have developed the first laboratory test that can pick up traces of manatees'
genetic material in the waterways where they live. Using a water sample
collected in the field, the innovative environmental DNA test can reveal
whether one or more of the elusive marine mammals has been in the area within
the past month.
The test can detect the presence
of manatees where other methods won't work, help scientists identify the
habitats manatees use and the patterns of their seasonal movements, and inform
efforts to bring back wild manatee populations that are considered close to
extinction, such as in Brazil or West Africa, said USGS research geneticist
Margaret Hunter.
"Environmental DNA detection
is the wave of the future for monitoring species that are difficult to
find," Hunter said. "Some species, such as marine mammals, live in
places where humans can't easily follow them. Others are few in number and
widely dispersed, well camouflaged, or good at avoiding contact with people. By
combining new advances in eDNA work with other techniques, we're getting a more
complete picture of these wild populations, without disturbing them."
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