Dr James Shelley1
1Arthur Rylah Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Management of aquatic biodiversity requires reliable survey methods for determining species distributions. Survey methods that are sensitive, easy to conduct, and cost-effective have strategic value for biodiversity monitoring applications. Where the focus of biodiversity research is the detection of rare species in remote and difficult-to-access locations, environmental DNA (eDNA) detection has the potential to dramatically increase survey efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, species can be detected from eDNA in water samples by conducting Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on a portable amplification device within 30 minutes, potentially allowing researchers to adjust their survey efforts in the field in response to that information. However, completely field-based protocols for eDNA detection of freshwater vertebrates using LAMP are yet to be developed.
Mountain Galaxiids are a complex of closely related freshwater fish species that occur in isolated populations scattered across the mountainous regions of south-eastern Australia. Many are conservation listed, while the others are in decline. Physical surveys typically require long hikes in difficult terrain and detection rates are low. As such, eDNA detection has the potential to greatly benefit the conservation of these species.
Here I present the findings of a project that aimed to (1) develop a set of LAMP primers to detect the Mountain Galaxiid complex, (2) develop an effective and efficient method for extracting eDNA from water filters in the field, and (3) develop a rapid and effective field-based protocol for detection of the Mountain Galaxiids in south-eastern Australia.
Biography:
James’s core expertise lies in the use of molecular and spatial analysis tools to determine the distribution of biodiversity and the environmental factors that drive those distributions. James’ current work concentrates on the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for detecting Victorian freshwater fauna, and on-ground conservation of fish and crayfish in Victoria’s highlands. Key areas of expertise include: phylogenetics, population genetics, eDNA, spatial analysis, flow impact assessments.