How Can I Effectively Integrate Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling With Camera Trap Surveys To Validate The Presence Of The Critically Endangered Asiatic Cheetah In Fragmented Habitats, While Also Accounting For Potential False Positives Due To DNA Degradation And Contamination From Sympatric Felid Species?

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To effectively integrate eDNA sampling with camera trap surveys for detecting the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, while addressing false positives and DNA degradation, follow this structured approach:

1. Survey Design and Site Selection

  • Location Selection: Identify high-probability areas using historical data, expert opinions, and habitat suitability models. Focus on regions with known cheetah activity, such as near prey habitats or movement corridors.
  • Camera Trap Placement: Position cameras in areas of cheetah activity, such as game trails, ensuring coverage during daylight hours when cheetahs are active. Use high-detection cameras with minimal overlap.

2. eDNA Sampling Strategy

  • Sample Types: Collect from water sources, soil, or scat, prioritizing areas where cheetahs are likely to leave DNA. Consider alternative sample types if water access is limited.
  • Contamination Control: Use sterile equipment, gloves, and separate sampling kits. Include negative controls to monitor contamination.

3. DNA Handling and Analysis

  • DNA Preservation: Process samples promptly or store them in preservatives or cool conditions to slow degradation. Use high-quality DNA extraction kits.
  • Species-Specific Markers: Design primers targeting unique genetic sequences of the Asiatic cheetah to reduce false positives from sympatric felids. Use qPCR for DNA quantification.

4. Integration of Methods

  • Cross-Validation: Use camera trap detections to guide eDNA sampling and vice versa. Deploy camera traps in eDNA-positive areas and collect eDNA samples where camera traps suggest cheetah presence.
  • Statistical Analysis: Combine data using Bayesian analysis to update presence probabilities, enhancing robustness of findings.

5. Field Validation and Community Engagement

  • Expert Validation: Confirm findings with field experts and conduct ground truthing in areas where presence is suggested.
  • Community Involvement: Engage local communities for additional data and traditional knowledge, potentially increasing detection accuracy.

6. Cost and Resource Considerations

  • Resource Allocation: Prioritize high-probability areas to maximize efficiency, balancing the costs of eDNA analysis and camera trap deployment.

7. Further Research and Refinement

  • Literature Review: Consult existing studies on Asiatic cheetah eDNA and camera trap surveys to refine markers and methods.
  • Environmental Factors: Study local eDNA degradation rates to inform sampling frequency and timing.

This integrated approach combines the strengths of both methods, minimizing false positives and addressing DNA degradation, to accurately confirm the presence of the Asiatic cheetah in fragmented habitats.