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Buxton A, Diana A, Matechou E, Griffin J, Griffiths RA. Reliability of environmental DNA surveys to detect pond occupancy by newts at a national scale. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1295. [PMID: 35079132 PMCID: PMC8789902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution assessment and monitoring of species is key to reliable environmental impact assessments and conservation interventions. Considerable effort is directed towards survey and monitoring of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in England. Surveys are increasingly undertaken using indirect methodologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA). We used a large data set to estimate national pond occupancy rate, as well as false negative and false positive error rates, for commercial eDNA protocols. Additionally, we explored a range of habitat, landscape and climatic variables as predictors of pond occupancy. In England, 20% of ponds were estimated to be occupied by great crested newts. Pond sample collection error rates were estimated as 5.2% false negative and 1.5% false positive. Laboratory error indicated a negligible false negative rate when 12 qPCR replicates were used. Laboratory false positive error was estimated at 2% per qPCR replicate and is therefore exaggerated by high levels of laboratory replication. Including simple habitat suitability variables into the model revealed the importance of fish, plants and shading as predictors of newt presence. However, variables traditionally considered as important for newt presence may need more precise and consistent measurement if they are to be employed as reliable predictors in modelling exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Buxton
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK. .,The Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Rd, Cirencester, GL7 6JS, UK.
| | - Alex Diana
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Sibson Building, Canterbury, CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Eleni Matechou
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Sibson Building, Canterbury, CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Jim Griffin
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, 196-199 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London, W1T 7PJ, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
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O'Brien D, Hall J, Miró A, O'Brien K, Falaschi M, Jehle R. Reversing a downward trend in threatened peripheral amphibian (Triturus cristatus) populations through interventions combining species, habitat and genetic information. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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O’Brien D, Hall J, Miró A, Wilkinson J. Testing the validity of a commonly-used habitat suitability index at the edge of a species’ range: great crested newt Triturus cristatus in Scotland. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00003108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Habitat Suitability Indices (HSI) are widely used in conservation and in pre-development surveying. We tested a commonly-used HSI to assess its effectiveness at predicting the presence of a European protected species, the great crested newt Triturus cristatus, at the edge of its range. This HSI is used to understand species’ conservation needs, and in assessing the need for, and designing, mitigation. Given the cost of surveying to developers, it is essential that they can have confidence in the index used in targeting work and in Environmental Impact Assessments. We found that nine of the ten factors which make up the HSI are robust in the region, even in a disjunct population believed to have been isolated for around 3000 years. However, we propose modification of the geographic factor, based upon an improved knowledge of the species’ distribution since the HSI was originally devised.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O’Brien
- Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW, UK
| | - Jeanette Hall
- Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW, UK
| | - Alexandre Miró
- Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes, Spanish Research Council (CEAB-CSIC), Biodiversity and Biogeodynamics Group, Blanes 17300, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - John Wilkinson
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 655A Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP, UK
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