Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Determine Hellbender Distribution

The Eastern Hellbender is a large endangered amphibian aquatic salamander native to the state of Ohio. In order to minimize threats to the species, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has to perform habitat assessment at project sites prior to construction. Currently, the most effective method to assess Hellbender distribution is visually searching for the species by personnel wading in water and shifting large nest rocks. This is disruptive to the Hellbender’s habitat, time consuming and requires manpower and cost. These major downfalls of physical survey assessment foster a critical need for the concept of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection. Environmental DNA methods are non-invasive genetic sampling in which DNA from organisms is detected via sampling of water or soil, typically for the purposes of determining the presence or absence of an organism. The specific objectives for this project (phase I) were: (1) Development of a species-specific primer to be used in genetic sampling which is exclusive to Eastern Hellbender; (2) Collection of environmental samples from Ohio water streams; (3) Development of a standardized field collection protocol to ensure consistency, efficiency and reduce contamination; and (4) Submission of the interim report to ODOT after validation and documentation of research results.

• Record URL:
  http://cdm16007.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p267401ccp2/id/15513
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/32840
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati Infrastructure Institute

  Cincinnati, Ohio  United States 

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Office of Statewide Planning and Research
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Esfandiari, Leyla
  • Wendell, David
  • Helmicki, Arthur
  • Hunt, Victor
• Publication Date: 2017-3-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Interim Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 19p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Amphibians; Aquatic life; Endangered species; Environmental impacts; Habitat (Ecology); Methodology; Sampling
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Environment; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01648343
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: SJN 135321
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 10 2017 5:07PM