Wildlife Scientists use a variety of techniques and tools to study the ecology of wild animals. Biologists regularly rely on traps or nets to capture, mark and release research animals. Some species, however, are difficult to sample or perhaps endangered so handling the animals is not the best option to answer research questions. In these cases, scientists are now relying on new technologies to sample the environment where the animals live, that is, they sample eDNA.
Listen to the latest Got Nature? podcast on Using the DNA Animals Leave Behind to learn from Dr. Stephen Spear of the Orianne Society about how he can study the ecology of rare and endangered animals simply by testing water from the streams where animals live. The podcast will highlight Dr. Spear’s research on the genetics of North America’s largest amphibian, the eastern hellbender. Dr. Spear is interviewed by a special guest host, Dr. Steve Kimble.
Resources:
The Orianne Society
Help the Hellbender
ITunes-Got Nature?
Got Nature? Podcast Series
Got Nature? blog
Steve Kimble, Post Doc Research Assistant
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Rod Williams, Associate Professor of Wildlife Science
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University