eDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment, generalist predators as sampling assistants.

Area of Science:

• Ecological monitoring and biodiversity assessment.
• Application of molecular techniques in wildlife research.

Background:

• Anthropogenic impacts necessitate advanced, non-invasive biodiversity assessment tools.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) from feces of generalist predators, termed 'biodiversity capsules', shows promise for ecological surveys.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate eDNA metabarcoding for dietary analysis in Eurasian badgers and red foxes.
• To compare eDNA metabarcoding with macroscopic techniques for diet identification.
• To assess the contribution of dietary analysis to biodiversity assessments.

Main Methods:

• Collection and analysis of fecal samples from Eurasian badgers and red foxes.
• eDNA metabarcoding for species identification and dietary composition analysis.
• Comparison with traditional macroscopic diet identification methods.

Main Results:

• eDNA metabarcoding identified more taxa at a higher taxonomic resolution than macroscopic methods.
• eDNA metabarcoding confirmed predator species identification from fecal samples.
• Dietary analyses revealed consumed flora and fauna missed by field observations, complementing biodiversity data.

Conclusions:

• eDNA metabarcoding is a valuable tool for detailed dietary analysis and predator identification.
• Integrating dietary analysis with field observations enhances biodiversity assessments by capturing a wider range of species.
• Combined approaches can overcome limitations of single methods for comprehensive biodiversity monitoring.