Researchers Seek Public Help to Study Frog Parasites for Conservation DNA Method
Timothy Cutajar, a PhD candidate affiliated with UNSW Sydney, the Australian Museum Research Institute, and the University of Copenhagen, is conducting a study to develop a novel DNA-based technique for detecting frog species. The method involves analyzing invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from blood meals of frog-biting flies, which can reveal the presence of elusive or threatened amphibians more effectively than direct searches. To advance this research, the public is invited to examine their photographs of frogs taken in Australia for images showing flies, midges, or mosquitoes in contact with the amphibians and submit them via an online form. This citizen science initiative aims to improve understanding of frog-fly interactions and enhance conservation efforts for amphibian biodiversity.
Key facts
- Researchers are developing a DNA-based detection method for frogs using parasites called frog-biting flies
- The study is led by PhD candidate Timothy Cutajar from UNSW Sydney, Australian Museum Research Institute, and University of Copenhagen
- Public participation is requested to submit photos of frogs with flies, midges, or mosquitoes from Australia
- The technique analyzes invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from blood meals to identify frog species
- This approach could help detect rare, cryptic, or potentially extinct frog species for conservation purposes
Entities
Institutions
- UNSW Sydney
- Australian Museum Research Institute
- University of Copenhagen
Locations
- Australia