Environmental DNA Can Understand Fish Populations in Lakes That Can Be Helpful in Conservation Efforts [Study]

The latest report discovered ways to quantify the genetic divergence and unique fish populations in aquatic habitats using the species' environmental DNA.

The aquatic environmental DNA plays a crucial role in animals' protection and detection of their populations amidst the increasing climate change threats and habitat loss.

The research findings were published in a science journal. According to the researchers, they managed to analyze the nuclear allelic composition data to observe the cichlid fish (Astatotilapia calliptera) that is mostly found in Lake Masomoko in Tanzania.

Understanding the different species in aquatic habitats is important to help them repopulate or to offer new insights into their existence. The researchers aimed to analyze the genetic structure of the cichlid fish.

The Role of Environmental DNA to Observe Fish Populations

According to the report, genetic variation and environmental DNA can help unravel the genetic structure of species. The increasing interest in eDNA is extremely valuable for conservation and protection efforts, especially for endangered species.

For instance, the Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been helpful to understand and distinguish different populations. It can provide new information about species that seem unknown to science.

As a result, the study managed to collect eDNA underwater to look for potential genetic variations of species living in deep waters.

Furthermore, the new technique has allowed experts to observe the species of fish, including their possible populations. The process will unveil knowledge about the complex genetic changes in species populations.

In lakes, the researchers emphasized the dynamic process of different species of cichlids. Various habitats are also present under the lake, with species could likely evolve or becoming more different.

The eDNA process can also unearth how other species adapt to changing temperatures or survive despite the threat of climate change.

Also Read: Over Half of Peru's Glacier Surface Lost in Last 6 Decades Due to Climate Change, Scientists Report

Animal's DNA Footprint and Polar Bear Monitoring in the Arctic Region

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are considered an elusive animal by many scientists. They can evade monitoring effects due to extreme temperatures and foggy conditions. The monitoring of said bears is crucial to protect them from population decline as climate change impacts important sea ice for their population.

The research report was published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science. Polar bears have suffered from population decline due to various threats, including climate change, sea ice loss, pollution and habitat loss.

Furthermore, rising temperatures are the main threat to their existence, including other animals in the Arctic region.

In the report, researchers explained that the polar bears' snow track and environmental DNA could with the conservation and monitoring efforts of their population.

Related Article: Top 5 Deadliest Animals in the World That Kill Millions Every Year

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