Investigating Prey of Burmese Pythons using eDNA Methods
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is organismal DNA that can be found in the environment. Environmental DNA originates from cellular material shed by organisms (via skin, excrement, etc.) into aquatic or terrestrial environments that can be sampled and monitored using new molecular methods. Such methodology is important for the early detection of invasive species as well as the detection of rare and cryptic species.
The highly invasive Burmese Python is having a devastating effect on the species native to southern Florida, particularly in the Florida Everglades. The goal of this project is to determine whether eDNA methods can be used to identify prey items eaten by Burmese Pythons.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is organismal DNA that can be found in the environment. Environmental DNA originates from cellular material shed by organisms (via skin, excrement, etc.) into aquatic or terrestrial environments that can be sampled and monitored using new molecular methods. Such methodology is important for the early detection of invasive species as well as the detection of rare and cryptic species.
The highly invasive Burmese Python is having a devastating effect on the species native to southern Florida, particularly in the Florida Everglades. The goal of this project is to determine whether eDNA methods can be used to identify prey items eaten by Burmese Pythons.