Exploring the potential of environmental DNA as a conservation tool for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)

Zwaferink, Nienke (2023) Exploring the potential of environmental DNA as a conservation tool for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

The Mediterranean monk seal is the world’s most endangered pinniped and the only one found in the Mediterranean. Anthropogenic threats have afflicted the species since prehistoric times, resulting in a steep decline of both their abundance and geographical range over time. The remaining habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal is deteriorated, destructed and highly fragmented. To restore the few remaining populations, conservation measures are necessary. In order to implement effective management and conservation strategies, monitoring programs are needed to assess the distribution and abundance of the remaining individuals. In case of rare and elusive species like Mediterranean monk seals, monitoring has proven to be a challenging, time-consuming and costly occupation. Most of the data on Mediterranean monk seal distribution relies on visual observations, which may be unreliable and insufficient. The relatively new and quickly developing technique of environmental DNA analysis may offer a solution for difficult-to-study species like the Mediterranean monk seal. eDNA assays come in different approaches, all using genetic material that organisms have shed into their environment. Although several flaws and areas for improvement remain, eDNA analysis has proven to be an effective, simple and relatively cheap way for mapping species distributions, and possibly even abundance. In this paper, the potential of applying eDNA as a tool for Mediterranean monk seal conservation is investigated. Incorporation of eDNA techniques could improve conservation strategies for elusive and rare species like the Mediterranean monk seal, perhaps by complementing traditional monitoring methods.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Zee, J.P. van der
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2023 10:35
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2023 10:35
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/30275

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