eDNA assessment of desert springs
In the arid Southwest, springs are hotspots of biodiversity and endemism. As part of the Department of Defense-funded project Engaging a Crowd-Sourced eDNA Database to Enhance DoD-relevant Conservation Goals we are using eDNA sampling to characterize biodiversity in springs across the southwestern region and establish a framework for future monitoring efforts of these habitats (USA).
In the arid Southwest, springs are hotspots of biodiversity and endemism. As part of the Department of Defense-funded project Engaging a Crowd-Sourced eDNA Database to Enhance DoD-relevant Conservation Goals we are using eDNA sampling to characterize biodiversity in springs across the southwestern region and establish a framework for future monitoring efforts of these habitats (USA).
Multi-taxa eDNA analysis
A powerful attribute of environmental DNA (eDNA) – the inference of species presence from genetic material in the environment – is that all organisms (fishes, amphibians, plants, etc) are potentially detectable. I am currently developing tools for efficient, parallel analysis of eDNA samples for multiple taxa. Example manuscript.
A powerful attribute of environmental DNA (eDNA) – the inference of species presence from genetic material in the environment – is that all organisms (fishes, amphibians, plants, etc) are potentially detectable. I am currently developing tools for efficient, parallel analysis of eDNA samples for multiple taxa. Example manuscript.
Bull trout, brook trout, and climate change
Climate change and species invasions represent important, and potentially synergistic, threats to native biodiversity. In this study, we used samples and data generated from the Rangewide Bull Trout eDNA Project and NorWeST modeled stream temperatures to reveal how local habitat conditions, climate, and invasive brook trout shape the distribution of ESA-listed bull trout in headwater streams. Paper in Ecosphere.
Climate change and species invasions represent important, and potentially synergistic, threats to native biodiversity. In this study, we used samples and data generated from the Rangewide Bull Trout eDNA Project and NorWeST modeled stream temperatures to reveal how local habitat conditions, climate, and invasive brook trout shape the distribution of ESA-listed bull trout in headwater streams. Paper in Ecosphere.
Cutthroat trout x rainbow trout hybridization
Hybridization between native and introduced species is an important conservation concern, particularly for fishes. Here we used extensive sampling to characterize and understand patterns of hybridization between westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout across most of the westslope range. We found that the distribution of hybrid zones is importantly mediated by differential habitat preferences among these species. This work will inform targeted management of these species and their habitats. See recent publications here.
Hybridization between native and introduced species is an important conservation concern, particularly for fishes. Here we used extensive sampling to characterize and understand patterns of hybridization between westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout across most of the westslope range. We found that the distribution of hybrid zones is importantly mediated by differential habitat preferences among these species. This work will inform targeted management of these species and their habitats. See recent publications here.
