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Challenges to implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia

Perry, Iain; J�ms, Ifan B.; Casas-Mulet, Roser; Hamutoko, Josefina; Marchbank, Angela; Lendelvo, Selma; Naomab, Erold; Mapani, Benjamin; Creer, Simon; Wanke, Heike; Durance, Isabelle; Kille, Peter

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Authors

Iain Perry

Ifan B. J�ms

Roser Casas-Mulet

Josefina Hamutoko

Angela Marchbank

Selma Lendelvo

Erold Naomab

Benjamin Mapani

Simon Creer

Profile image of Heike Wanke

Heike Wanke Heike.Wanke@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Geology

Isabelle Durance

Peter Kille



Abstract

By identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse. The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighbouring countries.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 11, 2021
Online Publication Date Jan 17, 2022
Publication Date Jan 17, 2022
Deposit Date Jan 18, 2022
Publicly Available Date Jan 20, 2022
Journal Frontiers in Environmental Science
Electronic ISSN 2296-665X
Publisher Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Article Number 773991
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.773991
Keywords General Environmental Science
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8579240

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