A species-specific qPCR assay provides novel insight into range expansion of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) by means of eDNA analysis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10531-022-02382-0
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15T17:03:16Z
• Authors: Elena Valsecchi; Emanuele Coppola; Rosa Pires; Andrea Parmegiani; Maurizio Casiraghi; Paolo Galli; Antonia Bruno
• Keywords: Archipelago

Abstract The monk seal is the most endangered pinniped worldwide and only one found in Mediterranean, where its distribution abundance have suffered a drastic decline last few decades. limited understanding of population demographics conservation status this species are due to both rarity evasiveness, with records biased towards occasional, mostly coastal, encounters. Current molecular techniques allow us detect DNA traces released into environment (eDNA) by any organism. We developed three species-specific qPCR-assays targeting 12S/16S rRNA mitogenome regions seal. assays been tested extensively on comprehensive diverse set samples (n = 73), including positive controls from breeding Madeira collected during their peak abundance, two opportunistic collections Mediterranean eDNA (offshore/coastal) on-going projects. Monk was detected 47.2% ferry platform Tyrrhenian (2018–2019) 66.7% those obtained Pelagie archipelago Strait Sicily (2020). These findings anticipated subsequent visual observations proximity these sampling areas up 2 years. At site, detection increased between 2018 2019. demonstrated approach provides non-invasive highly sensitive tool for defining actual home range -enabling monitoring also nocturnal hours-, assessing recovery rate pinpointing coastal/offshore sites prioritizing conservation, research, citizen-science, educational opportunities.