An eDNA assay for river otter detection: A tool for surveying a semi-aquatic mammal

Ticha M. Padgett-Stewart; Taylor M. Wilcox; Kellie Carim; Kevin S. McKelvey; Michael K. Young; Michael K. Schwartz

doi:10.1007/s12686-015-0511-x

Treesearch

An eDNA assay for river otter detection: A tool for surveying a semi-aquatic mammal

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Ticha M. Padgett-Stewart, Taylor M. Wilcox, Kellie Carim, Kevin S. McKelvey, Michael K. Young, Michael K. Schwartz

Year:

2016

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-015-0511-x

Source:

Conservation Genetics Resources. 8: 5-7.

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Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for the detection of elusive or low-density aquatic organisms. However, it has infrequently been applied to mammalian species. North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are both broad ranging and semi-aquatic, making them an ideal candidate for examining the uses of eDNA for detection of mammals. We developed a speciesspecific assay for detection of North American river otters using eDNA. The assay was tested for specificity against closely-related mustelids native to western North America, and was validated through testing environmental samples.

Keywords

environmental DNA, river otters, semiaquatic mammals, survey

Citation

Padgett-Stewart, Ticha M.; Wilcox, Taylor M.; Carim, Kellie J.; McKelvey, Kevin S.; Young, Michael K.; Schwartz, Michael K. 2016. An eDNA assay for river otter detection: A tool for surveying a semi-aquatic mammal. Conservation Genetics Resources. 8: 5-7.