Detecting Xenopus laevis in Belgium using eDNA and qPCR
| dc.contributor.author | Gombeer, S. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Meganck, K. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Vanderheyden, A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Smitz, N. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Pauwels, O. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Brecko, J. | |
| dc.contributor.author | De Meyer, M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Backeljau, T. | |
| dc.coverage.spatial | Belgium | |
| dc.coverage.spatial | France (European Territory) | |
| dc.date | 2022 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-03-14T13:26:36Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-03-14T13:26:36Z | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://orfeo.belnet.be/handle/internal/12983 | |
| dc.description | Environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an essential tool in the search for and detection of invasive species. In aquatic environments, water samples can be collected and filtered after which DNA can be extracted and analysed to detect the presence of a target species using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) is such an aquatic invasive species of amphibians imported from South Africa for medical research and aquarium pet trade. Released from capture, on purpose or by accident, an invasive spread of Xenopus laevis to natural ecosystems was registered on most continents. In the absence of natural predators, their population densities can increase quickly causing damage to local aquatic ecosystems. The species is easily distinguished, but not as easily discovered compared to the native amphibians, preferring to hide under plants and burrowing in the soil at the bottom of freshwater lakes or ponds. Two historical occurrence sites with one-time observations are known in Belgium so far: the Antwerp University Campus Drie Eiken, Wilrijk (2008) and Le Bizet, Komen-Waasten (2016), with suitable conditions for further natural spread. Using eDNA and qPCR techniques, we surveyed on and around these sites aiming to (i) investigate if the species is still present at these sites and (ii) examine if a natural spread towards the nearby ponds and streams occurred. Water samples were collected in triplicate from multiple water bodies (2021) and a species-specific qPCR assay to detect the African clawed frog was performed. Positive samples were sequenced to verify the qPCR outcome. The methodologies, our initial results and a preliminary conclusion will be presented. | |
| dc.language | eng | |
| dc.title | Detecting <i>Xenopus laevis</i> in Belgium using eDNA and qPCR | |
| dc.type | Conference | |
| dc.subject.frascati | Biological sciences | |
| dc.audience | Scientific | |
| dc.subject.free | Invertebrates | |
| dc.source.title | 22nd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species | |
| dc.source.page | 42 | |
| Orfeo.peerreviewed | No | |
| dc.identifier.rmca | 6226 |
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