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Christopher DennisonAs several amphibian populations continue to suffer precipitous declines, conservationists must strive to enhance and adapt their monitoring efforts.
I am excited and honoured to be conducting research on the potential strengths and weaknesses of Environmental DNA (eDNA) in the study and detection of the Threatened and cryptic Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) in southern Ontario. Habitat destruction and shifts in climate patterns threaten this incredible amphibian, whose beautiful spring chorus has long hearkened the end of winter for myself and many others in Ontario. In recent years, eDNA has been increasingly deployed to monitor vulnerable species which are difficult to detect using traditional methods. Given the unique physiology and life history of P. triseriata, eDNA may represent a useful supplement to existing monitoring efforts (e.g. acoustic breeding surveys) and may also answer questions related to the spatial and temporal dynamics of this at-risk animal. |
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Contact:
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]