What can we do with poo? Using molecular analysis of scats to inform mammal conservation

Dr Anna Hopkins1, Ms Shannon  Treloar1, Ms  Rachyl-anne Stover1, Dr Robert Davis1, Dr Kym  Ottewell2, Dr Cheryl Lohr2, Dr Leonie Valentine3

1Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia, 2Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Australia, 3University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia

Abstract:

Globally, biodiversity loss is a key environmental threat caused primarily by loss of habitat and the introduction of exotic species. Australia has one of the highest extinction records in the world for mammals, with 30 mammal species now extinct. Translocations to closed systems such as fenced reserves are commonly used for the conservation of threatened fauna worldwide and although fenced reserves can provide significant conservation benefits to biodiversity, such closed systems require close monitoring. Molecular analysis of scat is increasingly being used as a non-invasive and reliable method for monitoring fauna. This presentation outlines two case studies from Western Australia with contrasting applications of molecular analysis of scats from threatened mammals. The first case study outlines the use of mammal DNA from scats as a tool for monitoring population growth and distribution in the trap-shy mala (rufous hare-wallaby) in a reintroduced population. The second case study uses scat DNA to examine resource competition between two threatened mammals reintroduced into a predator-proof enclosure. The advantages of molecular analysis of scats for monitoring will be discussed as well as outlining areas where further research is required.


Biography:

Dr Anna Hopkins is a Senior Lecturer in molecular ecology and co-lead of the Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group at Edith Cowan University. She is a teaching and research scholar with interests in eDNA, soil ecology and plant pathology.

Date

Mar 21 - 23 2022
Expired!

Time

8:00 am - 6:00 pm