Abstract

The purpose of this project was to use non-invasive surveying techniques in order to determine the presence of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis at Bent Creek and at the Davidson River. At Bent Creek we took abiotic measurements (pH, temperature, and conductivity) and implanted 12 nest boxes into the creek. We also employed the use of eDNA, we took 6 eDNA samples from Bent Creek, 1 from the hellbender tank at the WNC Nature Center and 5 from the Davidson. We analysed the eDNA using PCR and qPCR. The abiotic data showed a pH gradient, transitioning from more basic to more acidic. Over the course of this project period (July 2018-April 2019), there was no hellbender occupancy in any of the nest boxes. The lids on boxes 1,9, and 10 were either destroyed during a storm event or washed away to the point that we could not relocate them. The PCR and gel electrophoresis were negative for any amplified DNA. The qPCR presence/absence test showed that there was not enough amplified DNA in order to confirm the presence of eDNA. These results showed that further research should be conducted in order to improve on the nest box model specifically for North Carolina rivers. Researchers should further compare nest boxes sites and hellbender habitats across states in order to understand the environmental differences that may affect nest box implantation in North Carolina. The eDNA extraction and qPCR protocol should be optimized in future hellbender eDNA studies.

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