Non-Invasive Detection and Identification of Eastern Hellbender in Ohio Surface Waters Using Environmental DNA

US Transportation Collection2021PDFTech ReportWendell, DavidEsfandiari, LeylaOrth, DavidNaber, MargaretHoward, JustinUniversity of CincinnatiUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationOhio. Department of Transportation. Office of Statewide Planning and ResearchOhio. Department of Transportation. Office of Statewide Planning and ResearchOhioUnited StatesAmphibiansDetection and identificationEndangered speciesEnvironmental protectionFresh surface water featuresGeneticsSamplingFHWA/OH-2021-06PID: 106175Final ReportThis research documents the development and application of an eDNA detection method for Cryptobranchus allegeniensis, or Eastern Hellbender in Ohio surface waters. The purpose of this method is to enable safe, non-invasive and convenient survey strategy for these endangered animals. The DNA amplification target is the Hellbender mitochondrial genome, specifically the left D-loop hyper-variable region, which the authors use as a means of detecting and tracking the animals, and in some circumstances, distinguishing between individuals.127