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Improved environmental DNA sampling scheme for Alabama sturgeon provides new insight into a species once presumed extinct
Author(s) -
Janosik Alexis M.,
Whitaker Justine M.,
VanTassel Nichelle M.,
Rider Steven J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1111/jai.14183
Subject(s) - environmental dna , sturgeon , biology , habitat , benthic zone , endangered species , lake sturgeon , ecology , sampling (signal processing) , fishery , acipenser , fish <actinopterygii> , biodiversity , filter (signal processing) , computer science , computer vision
Abstract Detection of rare species can be challenging and time‐consuming using conventional methods, but environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming a commonly used tool for detection in conservation and management of species. This study demonstrates the utility of the precipitation method (precipitated and preserved in 3 M sodium acetate and 95% ethanol) for collection of eDNA to detect the seasonal distribution of the critically endangered Alabama sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus suttkusi ). Surface and benthic water samples were collected across a wider geographic area than previously published for Alabama sturgeon eDNA. Surface and benthic samples both yielded detections and resulted in a similar proportion of positive detections to previous work. However, by sampling a greater portion of the distribution of the Alabama sturgeon, further insight was provided on potential sturgeon movement. The results of the precipitation method show that Alabama sturgeon detections increase during spawning months, and that the fish may be overwintering in the Tombigbee River. High detections from winter benthic samples suggest that habitat choice may play a role in detectability and highlight the need to consider natural history when designing environmental DNA studies. When designing environmental DNA collection for rare species, sampling design should factor in species ecology, habitat use, site characteristics, and specific questions driving the research.