Comparing eDNA and Transect Methods for Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment in Lakes and Ponds

Biodiversity monitoring increasingly relies on molecular methods such as eDNA metabarcoding. However, sound applications have so far been only established for a limited number of taxonomic groups. More information on the strengths and weaknesses of eDNA methods, especially for poorly covered groups, is essential for practical applications to achieve the highest possible reliability. We compared amphibian and Odonata data from eDNA metabarcoding and traditional transect walks on N = 56 plots in 38 water bodies distributed over six extraction sites for building materials in Northwest Germany. The traditional amphibian assessment included visual encounters, dip netting and acoustic detection, while Odonata were assessed through exuviae. In total, both methods detected 8 out of 11 amphibian species, while the remaining three species were detected by eDNA only. We did not find differences in amphibian species numbers per plot, but mean detection probabilities were higher with metabarcoding. In contrast, both methods detected 10 out of 29 Odonata species, while the remaining 19 species were detected by exuviae only. Species numbers per plot were higher for exuviae and only 30% of species were detected with metabarcoding. The species identified by eDNA were those with high abundance, and their detection probabilities were similar to transect walks. The results for amphibians show equal suitability and high complementarity of the compared methods. Metabarcoding detected species more efficiently and therefore offers a suitable protocol for biodiversity monitoring. For Odonata, eDNA metabarcoding showed considerable gaps, implying the need for protocol evaluation and improvement in assessment of ecological communities based on eDNA.