Determining Presence of Rare Amphibian Species: Testing and Combining Novel Survey Methods

摘要: Data deficiencies exist for ∼20–25% of amphibian and reptile species worldwide, typically excluding them from conservation consideration funding opportunities. Current status is often unknown at historic locations or previously unsurveyed areas. We present an iterative study to assess optimize novel survey methods a declining (Boreal Toad, Anaxyrus boreas boreas) using combination methods. found that if toads are in drainage, searching riparian areas multiple times during the active season efficient way detecting occurrence breeding populations. Once population has been located, traditional visual encounter surveys yield high probabilities detection monitoring efforts (vis ≈ 0.80). Supplementing streamside when not detected with other (e.g., environmental DNA [eDNA] samples) suitable can help confirm absent, provided ≥10 eDNA samples collected. Moreover, employing both simultaneously distributional information on target pathogens, pathogen presence evaluated all captured tested DNA. Our process designing, testing, optimizing, combining sampling determine current distribution should serve as model rare provide managers better which plan mitigation efforts.