Identifying spawning activity in aquatic species based on environmental DNA spikes

摘要: Abstract Understanding reproductive biology in aquatic organisms is critical for the efficient conservation and management of species and/or populations. However, conventional, visual- capture-based methods can suffer monitoring biases due to geographical constraints as well miscounts caused by false spawning. In addition, direct capture often damages eggs or individuals. Thus, an non-invasive method spawning activity would be a valuable tool understand conserving biodiversity. Here, we propose environmental DNA (eDNA)-based approach understanding observing spikes eDNA concentration after activity. We conducted cross experiments using two medaka examine main factor relationship between amount concentration. Additionally, field survey, examined whether could use evidence found that spike was observed only male species, magnitude dependent on activities. time season. have shown are mainly release sperm during activity, these used monitor Furthermore, our results suggest reflects events each sampling site. The presented practical studying provides opportunity design evaluate effective actions.