A5066287107- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Geographies of human-animal interactions
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Protist diversity and phylogeny
- Fungal Biology and Applications
- Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
- demographic modeling and climate adaptation
- Ecosystem dynamics and resilience
- Biosensors and Analytical Detection
Research Institute for Nature and Forest
2020-2025
KU Leuven
2022-2025
Abstract The development of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods toward implementation as a cost‐effective, nonlethal tool for fish biomonitoring in lotic environments requires insights on the temporal and spatial distribution eDNA river systems. Yet, little is known how downstream dispersal affected by combination discharge source biomass effects. In this study, we aimed at unraveling effect source‐ system‐specific processes stream reach eDNA. We used longitudinal cage study two sections...
Horizon scans have emerged as a valuable tool to anticipate the incoming invasive alien species (IAS) by judging on their potential impacts. However, little research has been conducted quantifying actual impacts and assessing causes of species-specific vulnerabilities particular IAS due persistent methodological challenges. The underlying interspecific mechanisms driving therefore remain poorly understood, even though they can substantially improve accuracy risk assessments. Given that...
Abstract The invasive American bullfrog ( Lithobates catesbeianus ) imperils freshwater biodiversity worldwide. Effective management hinges on early detection of incipient invasions and subsequent rapid response, as established populations are extremely difficult to eradicate. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) methods provide a highly sensitive alternative conventional surveillance techniques, extensive testing is imperative generate reliable output. Here, we tested compared the performance...
Abstract The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming integrated as an established biomonitoring tool, often characterized by detection limits exceeding those conventional counterparts. However, further improving the sensitivity these methods may be invaluable for early invasive species, or locating remnant populations endangered and adequate quantification their abundances. In this study, we provide empirical evidence showing that implementation multiple genetic markers targeting...
Abstract Invasion science addresses interconnected ecological, economic, and social challenges posed by the introduction of nonnative species. Therefore, invasion scientists have to consider reconcile interdisciplinary needs while addressing potential implications their findings. Navigating diverse disciplines, including environmental sciences, ecology, economics, humanities, seek arrive at informed decisions on risk, impact, management. Individual biases, uncertainties, systemic pressures...
Biological invasions and human migrations have increased globally due to socio-economic drivers environmental factors that enhanced cultural, economic, geographic connectivity. Both processes involve the movement, establishment, spread of species, yet unfold within fundamentally different philosophical, social biological contexts. Hence, studying (invasion science) migration (migration studies) presents complex parallels are potentially fruitful explore. Here, we examined nuanced differences...
Monitoring fish communities is central to the evaluation of ecological health rivers. Both presence/absence species and their relative quantity in local assemblages are crucial parameters measure. Fish lotic systems traditionally monitored via electrofishing, characterized by a known limited efficiency high survey costs. Analysis environmental DNA could serve as non-destructive alternative for detection quantification communities, but this approach still requires further insights practical...
Estuarine ecosystems face increasing anthropogenic pressures, necessitating effective monitoring methods to mitigate their impacts on the biodiversity they harbour. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) based detection is increasingly recognized as a promising tool complement other, potentially invasive techniques. Integrating such eDNA analyses into frameworks for large still challenging and requires deeper understanding scale resolution at which patterns may offer insights in species...
Abstract Biological invasions contribute now more than ever to the global homogenization of fauna and flora. Large‐scale monitoring programs are, therefore, needed detect incipient evaluate management interventions. As conventional methods are constrained by large costs, environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based increasingly recognized as valuable tools. However, accurately estimating species abundance from eDNA concentrations in natural systems remains challenging consequently hinders their...
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus [Shaw, 1802]) is one of the hundred most destructive Alien Invasive Species (AIS) worldwide that has invaded more than 40 countries across 4 continents.In Belgium, bullfrogs have occupied a large area in relatively short period time despite decade intensive management interventions.Acquiring better insights into distribution, abundance, and spatial spread this invasive frog species an important first step towards successful strategy.In study, we...
Abstract The invasive American bullfrog ( Lithobates catesbeianus ) imperils freshwater biodiversity worldwide. Effective management includes rapid detection and response to incipient invasions, as established populations are extremely difficult eradicate. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches provide a highly sensitive alternative conventional surveillance techniques, extensive testing is paramount generate reliable output. Here, we tested compared the performance of two primer/probe...
In recent years, environmental DNA analyses became increasingly integrated to detect and monitor the presence abundance of rare organisms, especially in inaccessible aquatic habitats. Although it is generally proven that detection probabilities eDNA surveys exceed those obtained via conventional techniques, these molecular approaches are, however, also subjected limitations levels uncertainty. Besides improvements can be made terms sampling design, volumes filtered water, effective quantity...