Weasel Identification Using Molecular Methods: Validating Metabarcoding Primers with Mustelid Tissues
Advisor(s)
Katherine Krynak
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
11-4-2025 12:50 PM
Abstract
Global weasel populations are thought to be declining and past population estimates have been reliant on annual trapping data, a practice also in decline. Using camera traps paired with eDNA metabarcoding, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) is increasing monitoring efforts to better understand 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). With the ODW, Ohio Northern University (ONU) faculty and students deployed three camera traps in Hardin County, Ohio. Camera trap images are analyzed for preliminary identification of Mustelids and standardized soil samples surrounding the traps are collected for eDNA assessment. In October 2024, we captured weasel images from ONU owned wetland preserve, Tidd Oakes Farm (identified as Mustela frenata). From collected soil samples, we will use VertU primers (Wang et. al 2023) to target mitochondrial 12S, 16S, and COI genes amplifying 200-250bp sequences with the Illumina HiSeq X-Ten platform. VertU primers should detect ≥ 90% of vertebrates, including members of the Mustelidae family. In preparation for soil sample analysis, we are using Mustelid tissue samples to validate VertU primers. While primers targeting the 12S and 16S gene regions of Mustelid DNA amplified well, issues validating primers targeting the COI gene have led to further experimentation across several mammalian families including Mustelidae. Once primers are validated, the soil samples collected will be analyzed. We are hopeful that the paired camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding will provide valuable information regarding Ohio’s weasel populations.
Recommended Citation
Meadows, Madison K.; Ohler, Masyn N.; and Sproul, Breanna, "Weasel Identification Using Molecular Methods: Validating Metabarcoding Primers with Mustelid Tissues" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 77.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/77
Open Access
Available to all.
Weasel Identification Using Molecular Methods: Validating Metabarcoding Primers with Mustelid Tissues
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Global weasel populations are thought to be declining and past population estimates have been reliant on annual trapping data, a practice also in decline. Using camera traps paired with eDNA metabarcoding, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) is increasing monitoring efforts to better understand 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). With the ODW, Ohio Northern University (ONU) faculty and students deployed three camera traps in Hardin County, Ohio. Camera trap images are analyzed for preliminary identification of Mustelids and standardized soil samples surrounding the traps are collected for eDNA assessment. In October 2024, we captured weasel images from ONU owned wetland preserve, Tidd Oakes Farm (identified as Mustela frenata). From collected soil samples, we will use VertU primers (Wang et. al 2023) to target mitochondrial 12S, 16S, and COI genes amplifying 200-250bp sequences with the Illumina HiSeq X-Ten platform. VertU primers should detect ≥ 90% of vertebrates, including members of the Mustelidae family. In preparation for soil sample analysis, we are using Mustelid tissue samples to validate VertU primers. While primers targeting the 12S and 16S gene regions of Mustelid DNA amplified well, issues validating primers targeting the COI gene have led to further experimentation across several mammalian families including Mustelidae. Once primers are validated, the soil samples collected will be analyzed. We are hopeful that the paired camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding will provide valuable information regarding Ohio’s weasel populations.