Wood Frogs, eDNA, and Communities

Wood Frogs, eDNA, and Communities

Abstract

Wood frogs (Rana sylvaticus) are native to Ohio though the population is in decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases.  Surveys conducted with environmental DNA (eDNA) are faster, less invasive, and can be used to collect information on much more broad areas than traditional methods.  Surveys using eDNA can effectively monitor wood frogs and their habitat as well as detect the presence of invasive species and diseases.  While eDNA may be susceptible to environmental conditions and moderate errors in accuracy, further development and the incorporation of site occupancy models can improve the accuracy significantly.  Wood frogs can be a valuable addition to communities’ green spaces, which can be monitored using eDNA to track environmental health.  Data from wood frogs and eDNA surveys can also be used to gain a better understanding of amphibian populations and population genetics.  Future investigation is needed in the areas of the genetics of wood frogs’ freeze tolerance and integrating eDNA into other conservation technologies. 

Keywords: eDNA, Wood Frogs