Sonoran Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Environmental DNA Analysis
Project ID: P22AC00993
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Washington State University
Fiscal Year: 2022
Initial Funding: $90,475
Total Funding: $311,501
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
Principal Investigator: Goldberg, Caren
Agreement Technical Representative: Hubbard, Andy
Abstract: Through collaborative research, establish baseline information on the occurrence of sensitive aquatic species, a wide-ranging endangered terrestrial mammal, an invansive predator, and two aquatic diseases in 43 perennial springs across 9 national parks in American Southwest.
Project Objectives:
1. Collect 550 environmental DNA (eDNA) samples and companion water quantity/qality data from 43 perennial springs in the Spring and Fall of 2022 (NPS).
2) Extract eDNA fro mthe 550 filters (including field blanks) and compare against knowns assays (= unique DNA partters) for 7 aquatic organisms of conservation importance (WSU).
3. Extract and preserve an archival specimen for each filter for potential future analysis (WSU).
4. Analyze the derived species occurrence and environmental data in the context of ecological threats and park management actions and produce a final report (WSU and NPS).