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An evaluation of the efficacy of using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas)

Open-File Report 2017-1123
Prepared in cooperation with the Central Valley Project—Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171123

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Abstract

Detecting populations of rare or cryptic species is essential for their conservation. For species like giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas), conventional survey methods can be expensive and inefficient. These sampling difficulties might be overcome by modern techniques that detect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shed by organisms into the environment (eDNA). We evaluated the efficacy of detecting giant gartersnake eDNA in water samples from the laboratory and at locations with known giant gartersnake populations in the Sacramento Valley of California, and failed to detect giant gartersnake DNA in most laboratory and all field samples. Aspects of giant gartersnake biology—such as highly keratinized skin and spending extensive time in the terrestrial environment, as well as hot, sunny, and turbid conditions in wetlands and canals of the Sacramento Valley—likely contributed to low detection probabilities. Although detection of eDNA shows promise under many conditions, further development is needed before sampling for eDNA is a viable option for detecting giant gartersnake populations.

Suggested Citation

Halstead, B.J., Wood, D.A, Bowen, Lizabeth, Waters, Shannon, Vandergast, A.G., Ersan, J.S.M., Skalos, S.M., and Casazza, M.L., 2017, An evaluation of the efficacy of using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2017-1123, 41 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171123.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Appendixes 1–4
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title An evaluation of the efficacy of using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas)
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2017-1123
DOI 10.3133/ofr20171123
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description vi, 41 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, Natomas Basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details