Stream Transport and Retention of Environmental DNA Pulse Releases in Relation to Hydrogeomorphic Scaling Factors.

The DNA of aquatic organisms can be identified in water sampled from freshwater ecosystems to detect species presence. Because these DNA-based methods (termed environmental DNA, eDNA) confirm species presence by proxy of DNA in water, the processes influencing eDNA transport and removal from water are critical to the method's efficacy and interpretation of results. Previous studies of aquatic eDNA transport and fate have employed uncontrolled field experiments, controlled studies in experimental streams, and laboratory column tests.

Degradation and dispersion limit environmental DNA detection of rare amphibians in wetlands: Increasing efficacy of sampling designs.

The detection of rare macroorganisms using environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful new method for conservation and management; the efficacy of this method is affected by physiological, ecological, and hydrological processes. Understanding the processes limiting eDNA detection and accounting for those factors with optimized sampling designs is critical for realizing the potential of this tool. Amphibians are a focus of conservation programs globally and are often difficult to detect, presenting a challenge for effective action.

Quantifying the importance of patch-specific changes in habitat to metapopulation viability of an endangered songbird.

A growing number of programs seek to facilitate species conservation using incentive-based mechanisms. Recently, a market-based incentive program for the federally endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) was implemented on a trial basis at Fort Hood, an Army training post in Texas, USA. Under this program, recovery credits accumulated by Fort Hood through contracts with private landowners are used to offset unintentional loss of breeding habitat of Golden-cheeked Warblers within the installation.