Environmental DNA Helps Determine Distribution, Population of Endangered Species, Research Reveals

The population of a rare fish species called Rhodeus atremius suigensis has been endangered. A new study used environmental DNA to monitor the said species in Japan. 

Early detection would help scientists and researchers devise a monitoring plan, especially when species is considered endangered.

The application of eDNA is important in determing native and invasive species.

Monitoring endangered species

eDNA has been vital to the conservation and protection of aquatic species.

According to a new report published on the Phys.org website, researchers from Okayama University in Japan applied the eDNA to determine the population and distribution of Rhodeus atremius suigensis.

The research findings were published in Landscape and Ecological Engineering.

In addition, the study looked into the abundance of the said fish in the Ashida River located in Fukuyama, Japan.

The recent research published in Springer Link explained that Rhodeus atremius suigensis is a bitterling, endangered in Okayama Plain in Japan.

Monitoring the said endangered fish is a challenging task. With eDNA, the researchers noted the distribution and abundance of Rhodeus atremius suigensis.

The researchers added that the result would contribute to other studies.

According to the study, Prof. Kazuyoshi Nakata, the study's lead from Okayama University, explained that the results would be a helpful reference for conservation efforts.

Pipefish in South Africa

Recently, Nature World News reported that eDNA was also utilized to monitor critically endangered pipefish in South Africa.

The estuarine pipefish is known as Syngnathus watermeyer. The said fish is evasive to detect for researchers.

Moreover, The Conservation reported that the rare pipefish was thought to be extinct.

However, it appeared again in 1996.

Also Read: Palau Reefs Tolerant to Extreme Marine Heatwaves, New Study Reveals 

The application of eDNA allowed researchers to look into estuaries in South Africa in Kasouga, Bushmans, Kariega and West Kleimonde.

The process of eDNA guided researchers to detect the presence of a pipe fish population.

The report explained that the said species were locally extinct in East and West Kleimonde and Kasouga.

Why eDNA matters

According to the National History Museum, the challenge in conserving species is obtaining an accurate species report.  USGS said that it refers to organism DNA, which can come from feces, excrement and skin available in terrestrial and aquatic environments. 

Monitoring and detecting the emergence of species in rivers, lakes, estuaries or other bodies of water can become challenging for scientists and researchers.

As technology innovates, science finds a way to improve the monitoring and detection of species, even the smallest and unnoticeable ones.

The National History Museum added that DNA is beneficial for the environment.

The DNA sample is sent to study in labs.

According to the report, museum scientists have employed the eDNA in their testing and studies, unlocking the presence of insects, arthropods and other species.

The process of eDNA and traditional sampling or survey methods are significant in unveiling more species unknown to humanity.

Related Article: Environmental DNA Used to Monitor Critically Endangered and Rare Estuarine Pipefish in South Africa

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