29/03/2017
Tular Cave Labaratory/ Jamski labaratorij Tular two days ago published: We are happy to share a historic milestone in Proteus research: our lab most recent paper on Proteus eDNA and its related amazing discoveries, is now published in the Scientific Reports journal (Nature publishing group)!
http://www.nature.com/articles/srep45054
Researchers from Tular Cave Laboratory - Jamski laboratorij Tular & partners developed a research tool to overcome the critical problem when determining Proteus occurrence – inaccessibility of its subterranean habitat. This highly efficient, non-invasive and innovative molecular genetic tool helps to detect traces of Proteus environmental DNA (eDNA) by filtering water samples from groundwater (karst springs, wells or caves).
Main results of the study:
1. The most extensive survey of Proteus distribution ever conducted: 56 karst springs, wells or caves in Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro were sampled and analyzed (95 visited).
2. First significant extension of Proteus range after 1929: the presence of Proteus documented for the first time in Montenegro!
3. A highly specific method was developed to detect the eDNA of the black Proteus. The unique cave amphibian was detected at five new sites, which more than doubled the number of previously sites of this extremely vulnerable population – basis for an efficient conservation management.
4.The eDNA of both black and white Proteus was discovered together in one of the springs, which represents the first evidence that these two populations may be in contact with each other.
The study was part of the project “A survey of the distribution of Proteus anguinus by environmental DNA sampling”, co-financed by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, BirdLife International and DOPPS - BirdLife Slovenia (CEPF GEM No. 45), and the project “With Proteus we share dependence on groundwater”, financed by the EEA and Norway Grants Slovenia (EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014: SI03-EEA2013/MP-17).
Projects partners: Biološki inštitut Jovana Hadžija ZRC SAZU, EZ lab ZRC SAZU, ZRC SAZU, Oddelek za zootehniko, Biotehniška fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani Jeffery Lab (Department of Biology, University of Maryland, USA), Biospeleološko Društvo Crne Gore / Biospeleological society of Montenegro
Europe’s obligate cave-dwelling amphibian Proteus anguinus inhabits subterranean waters of the north-western Balkan Peninsula. Because only fragments of its habitat are accessible to humans, this endangered salamander’s exact distribution has been difficult to establish.
