Makayla Grandpre,
Sponsor or Client:
Title:
Detecting New Mexico meadow jumping mice through eDNA
Abstract:
The New Mexico jumping mouse (Zapus luteus), an endangered riparian obligate species in the Southwest, uses areas with tall, dense herbaceous vegetation along perennial water. Resource managers need non-invasive methods to survey the species; currently, track plating and camera trapping are primary methods. These non-invasive methods are important because they allow the reduction of physical interactions with the animal, which decreases the potential for stress, injury, death, and habitat disturbance. Our objective was to develop a non-invasive method to identify presence using environmental DNA (eDNA). Previous work confirmed the detection of jumping mice through eDNA swabbed from plants but not the sampling effort needed. We tested four sampling intensities at two sites on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests during the summer of 2023. Despite testing areas with high capture rates of jumping mice, only one intensity detected potential presence through eDNA. Sampling was also time-consuming and lab costs expensive, so it is unlikely to be a viable option for detecting the species. However, inspired by track plating, we developed an eDNA track plate to collect feces and urine with cheesecloth substituted for an ink pad and contact paper. Lab results are pending, but we do have a potential visual of a track from a jumping mouse on one eDNA track plate, so this approach has promise. If we detect eDNA using modified track plates, it will be tested to confirm the sampling effort needed. This method could be more time-efficient because of the reduction in the number of samples taken.
Grandpre, Makayla
Category
Poster Presentation
Description
Morning, 9:00-11:00 am
2C