Projects per year
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques show promise in facilitating the study and conservation of threatened species. The advantages of high sensitivity and high efficiency have been demonstrated by studies across various taxa. Asian turtles, one of the most threatened vertebrate groups, are facing extinction due to overexploitation for use as traditional Chinese medicine, food, and pets. Most species are extirpated across their ranges, but Hong Kong is unique because wild turtle populations persist. Due to the rarity and secretiveness of turtles, data on the location and size of populations are incomplete, even for a small place like Hong Kong. The result is that research and conservation are hindered. In this study, quantitative PCR eDNA assays were developed for three turtle species: two native [big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) and Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)] and one invasive [red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)]. For each assay, we tested species specificity, optimized reactions, and benchmarked analytical sensitivity for eDNA surveys. The assays will help in the conservation of Hong Kong turtles by identify priority sites for protection and research, provide another tool for population monitoring, and clarify the impact of the invasive T. s. elegans on native species.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 293-300 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Conservation Genetics Resources |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 24 May 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2020 |
Bibliographical note
We thank Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden Hong Kong, Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation, and Tommy Hui for providing samples. Also, we thank the following people for invaluable discussions on eDNA: Kathryn Stewart, Caren Goldberg, David Pilliod, Tracie Seimon, and Brian Horne. Lastly, we thank two anonymous reviewers for helping us improve this manuscript.Funding
This study is supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (Early Career Scheme #23100216), government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Environment and Conservation Fund (#ECF 2017-04), Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Conservation Fund (#RP01.1718), and the Croucher Foundation Chinese Visitorship (#870026).
Keywords
- Invasive species
- Pelodicus sinensis
- Platysternon megacephalum
- TaqMan minor groove binder
- Trachemys scripta elegans
- Turtle conservation
- qPCR
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Developing quantitative PCR assays to detect threatened and invasive freshwater turtles in Hong Kong using environmental DNA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 3 Finished
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Environmental DNA (eDNA) & Captive breeding of Beal's eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) (Visitor: LIN Liu, Hainan Normal University)
FONG, J. (PI)
15/02/17 → 14/08/17
Project: Not Applicable
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Developing Environmental DNA Approaches to Study the Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Hong Kong Turtles (利用環境DNA技術研究香港瀕危龜類的生態及其保育)
FONG, J. (PI)
Research Grants Council (HKSAR)
1/09/16 → 31/08/20
Project: Grant Research