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Predator identification from salivary DNA left on artificial prey

Authors:

Abstract

Predator-prey interactions are a vast field in ecological research and many mechanisms thereof are crucial to understand natural selection, trait functions, cognition of traits and hence their evolution. However, for many taxa predator-prey interactions are difficult to study because field observations of predation events are rare. Predation is based on perception of stimuli, in many cases visual cues. To understand the effects of different visual cues on predation, such as coloration or patterns of prey animals, many studies use artificial prey to collect information. Although widely deployed, this method largely lacks standardization of attack identification. In a new approach, we tested whether DNA of predators can be isolated from bite and peck marks found on clay models to ultimately allow precise and robust identification of the attacker. In a pilot study, we placed more than 800 models of European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in the field to collect information on predation. Attack marks on models were first analyzed visually. Subsequently, we successfully isolated and sequenced DNA of more than 6 different species of attackers from the marks left on clay models. Our results not only underline the problem of misidentification of attacks by vision alone, but also offer an intriguing method to gain robust data on predators of artificial prey. Furthermore, the method opens up new possibilities beyond the standard use of clay model studies to date, including a potential use in invasive species monitoring and species inventories. Keywords: Artificial prey, eDNA, invasive species monitoring, Predator-prey interaction, salivary DNA, species inventories
Predator identification from salivary left on artificial prey
Daniela C. Rößler, Stefan Lötters, Michèle Fugmann, Michael Veith & Henrik Krehenwinkel
Department of Biogeography, Trier University, Germany
CONTACT: Daniela C. Rößler
roesslerdaniela@aol.com
@RoesslerDaniela
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Optimize protocol to efficiently target mammalian and avian predators/attackers
Potential applicability in invasive species monitoring
ARTIFICIAL PREY MODEL BITE / ATTACK MARK ASSESSMENT RESULT
If identifiable -
Predator group
(e.g. bird)
Species level
?
QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS? TALK TO ME!
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
Standardized approach
Robust identification of attackers
Decreases number of unidentified attacks (minimizes data loss)
Reveals high misidentification rate from visual assessment
METHOD
Amplicon
Sequencing
A PILOT STUDY
Attacker identification from bite
marks in clay model studies is often
likely to be biased and lacks a
standardized approach.
In a field-based study, we used clay
models of fire salamanders to test
attacker identification from residual
saliva DNA left on bite marks and
subsequently compared visual and
genetic assessments.
= unidentified
N = 52
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