eDNA at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge

This project will develop an environmental DNA tracking protocol to provide early detection of three invasive species blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus; red shiner, Cyprinella lutrensis; and red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Warm Springs Natural AreA and adjacent waters. The work will be coordinated with removal of fish barriers and chemical eradication efforts. An eDNAtocol developed for crayfish at Ash Meadows NWR will be revised to detect two additional invasive species. This protocol will empower early detection of invasive threats, thus early response to help minimize impacts due to these threats. The work helps implement the associated recovery plan and the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex,