Development and Field Testing of eDNA markers for Spikedace and Loach Minnow

Authors: Yvette Paroz, Thomas Franklin, Tony Robinson, Joseph Dysthe, Michael Young, Kellie Carim

Year: 2016 (xlviii)

Abstract

Environmental DNA markers (eDNA) have been developed for many fish species are are proving to be an efficient and sensitive method for monitoring species distributions, especially in lotic systems. In collaboration with many local partners, U.S.F.S. Rocky Mountain Research Station has developed eDNA markers for spikedace Meda fulgida and loach minnow Tiaroga cobitis. Both species endemic to the Gila River basin of Arizona and New Mexico and federally listed as Endagered and have substantially declined from their historic range. Initial testing of the sensitivity of these markers indicates that they may have utility for detecting spikedace and loach minnow in the wild, even at low densities.