Camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding to monitor weasel populations in Ohio

Advisor(s)

Dr. Katherine Krynak

Dr. Timothy Koneval

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Poster

Location

McIntosh Activities Room

Start Date

19-4-2024 10:00 AM

End Date

19-4-2024 10:50 AM

Abstract

Camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding to monitor weasel populations in Ohio

Abigail Buzdon1, Madison Meadows1, Masyn Ohler1, Dennis De Luca1, Catherine Dennison2, Timothy Koneval1, and Kat Krynak1

  1. Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio, 45810

  2. Ohio Division of Wildlife Columbus, Ohio

Globally, weasel populations are in decline, however the monitoring of populations had been largely limited to annual trapping surveys until recent years. The Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) has been increasing monitoring efforts to provide a more accurate estimate of population sizes and ranges of Ohio’s three native weasel species, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), and long-tail weasel (Mustela frenata). In collaboration with the ODW, Ohio Northern University (ONU) faculty and students are expanding these monitoring efforts with the combined use of camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding. Least weasels have historically been documented at ONU’s Tidd-Oakes Farm (TOF; Hardin Co.), but not since 2005. In 2023, we deployed our first camera trap at TOF, with plans to expand to three traps this spring. ODW is currently monitoring numerous camera traps across the state. Camera trap images are downloaded and soil samples surrounding the traps are collected for eDNA processing. Organism images captured by the camera traps are identified to Genus, and species when possible. To date, while we have not captured weasel images at TOF, we have documented eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tiamas striatus), mice (Peromyscus sp.), shrew (Sorex cinereus), and a curious carolina wren (Thyrothorus ludovicianus). Activity patterns have been examined for these species. From the soil samples collected, total genomic DNA will be extracted using a Quiagen DNeasy PowerMax Soil Kit. VertU primers (designed by Wang et. al 2023) will be used to target mitochondrial 12S, 16S, and COI genes amplifying 200-250bp sequences with the Illumina HiSeq X-Ten platform. VertU primers have been shown to detect ≥ 90% of vertebrates, allowing for monitoring of a broad spectrum of species including members of the Mustelidae family. In preparation for the soils sample analysis, this semester we are using tissue samples of known Mustilids collected by ODW to establish controls for our eDNA analyses. While this project is in its infancy, the combined use of camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding will provide valuable information to the state regarding Ohio’s small mammal populations.

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Apr 19th, 10:00 AM Apr 19th, 10:50 AM

Camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding to monitor weasel populations in Ohio

McIntosh Activities Room

Camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding to monitor weasel populations in Ohio

Abigail Buzdon1, Madison Meadows1, Masyn Ohler1, Dennis De Luca1, Catherine Dennison2, Timothy Koneval1, and Kat Krynak1

  1. Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio, 45810

  2. Ohio Division of Wildlife Columbus, Ohio

Globally, weasel populations are in decline, however the monitoring of populations had been largely limited to annual trapping surveys until recent years. The Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) has been increasing monitoring efforts to provide a more accurate estimate of population sizes and ranges of Ohio’s three native weasel species, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), and long-tail weasel (Mustela frenata). In collaboration with the ODW, Ohio Northern University (ONU) faculty and students are expanding these monitoring efforts with the combined use of camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding. Least weasels have historically been documented at ONU’s Tidd-Oakes Farm (TOF; Hardin Co.), but not since 2005. In 2023, we deployed our first camera trap at TOF, with plans to expand to three traps this spring. ODW is currently monitoring numerous camera traps across the state. Camera trap images are downloaded and soil samples surrounding the traps are collected for eDNA processing. Organism images captured by the camera traps are identified to Genus, and species when possible. To date, while we have not captured weasel images at TOF, we have documented eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tiamas striatus), mice (Peromyscus sp.), shrew (Sorex cinereus), and a curious carolina wren (Thyrothorus ludovicianus). Activity patterns have been examined for these species. From the soil samples collected, total genomic DNA will be extracted using a Quiagen DNeasy PowerMax Soil Kit. VertU primers (designed by Wang et. al 2023) will be used to target mitochondrial 12S, 16S, and COI genes amplifying 200-250bp sequences with the Illumina HiSeq X-Ten platform. VertU primers have been shown to detect ≥ 90% of vertebrates, allowing for monitoring of a broad spectrum of species including members of the Mustelidae family. In preparation for the soils sample analysis, this semester we are using tissue samples of known Mustilids collected by ODW to establish controls for our eDNA analyses. While this project is in its infancy, the combined use of camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding will provide valuable information to the state regarding Ohio’s small mammal populations.