Environmental DNA to track endangered Gobiobotia naktongensis: Assessment of distribution and habitat requirements.

Because of their noninvasive nature and high detection sensitivity, eDNA-based aquatic ecosystem surveys are useful for monitoring rare, elusive indicator species. Advancements in statistical techniques have expanded their use beyond simple population tracking to predict potential habitats based on the environmental conditions of sites detected eDNA. This study used species-specific molecular marker and targeted qPCR techniques to assess the distribution and habitat requirements of the endangered Gobiobotia naktongensis, a flagship fish species in Korean sandy river systems with increased public interest related to habitat restoration evaluations associated with dam construction.

Development of molecular identification methods for and , and their hybrids.

Background: As hybridization can reduce biodiversity or cause extinction, it is important to identify both purebred parental species and their hybrids prior to conserving them. The Suwon tree frog, is an endangered wildlife species in Korea that shares its habitat and often hybridizes with the Japanese tree frog, . In particular, , , and their hybrids often have abnormal ovaries and gonads, which are known causes that could threaten their existence.