Perth Herp Genomic Project

We aim to build maps of connectivity and landscape resistance for a range of species in the Perth region. These maps can be used to create a tool that allows us to predict the movement patterns of invading species. This tool requires two main components: (1) a series of high-resolution spatial GIS layers of landscape attributes (e.g. urbanisation index, natural vegetation cover, topography) and (2) high quality DNA sequencing data for the species of interest.
To obtain genetic data on up to 21 species of frogs, reptiles, and mammals, we need to collect tissue samples. Tissue sample collection will take place from 2023 – 2026, and vary by species seasonal constraints (e.g. monthly activity periods) and the number of samples requiring collection (e.g. some species already mostly sampled by other researchers).
The minimum target number of individual animals sampled per species will be 95. Some species will have up to 190 individuals of data in total, as we will build and add to existing datasets that have been collected by other researchers who may have intensively collected tissue at a small number of sites.
Our study area will be Perth and the surrounding region (e.g. within about 75 km of the city centre). Tissue sampling will occur evenly across the Perth metropolitan region, with local expertise used to identify suitable habitat and occupied areas for each species.
The iNaturalist component of this project allows us to maintain a photo database of all sampled animals, which can then be used for analyses such as genotype-phenotype assocations. less ↑