Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution

Meet the Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution Group! https://lnkd.in/es7yAF3H

🧬  Analyzing eDNA samples on-site in the tropical rainforest? It’s possible! 🌍   In our latest paper, we present a field-based protocol that combines CRISPR-Dx with lateral flow tests, enabling the detection of rare species without the need for fully-equipped laboratories.   We demonstrated this approach by detecting the elusive African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) directly on-site in the Republic of Congo - despite never spotting the animal itself. This highlights the power of eDNA to reveal the presence of cryptic or elusive species that would otherwise remain undetected.   📝 Our paper is now available online: https://lnkd.in/eYvTNU6c   Why does this matter?   Currently, eDNA analyses - and biodiversity monitoring in general - are primarily conducted in well-developed countries, limiting our understanding of global biodiversity (changes). Protocols like ours could democratize access to advanced monitoring techniques, supporting biodiversity conservation where it is needed most.   The two weeks we spent in Conkouati-Douli National Park were undoubtedly among the most challenging and exciting experiences of my PhD journey so far. A huge thank you to everyone involved who made this adventure possible! Martina Lüthi Michel Schmidlin Zacharias Kontarakis Loïc Pellissier Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS), ETH Zürich ETH Zürich Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL   #eDNA #BiodiversityMonitoring #CRISPR #ConservationScience

We've created high-resolution extinction risk maps for aquatic and terrestrial species across Switzerland. 🌍🔬 They reveal the most critical areas for preserving species richness at a national scale. By identifying where biodiversity is most at risk, the index helps prioritize conservation actions and supports biodiversity-conscious infrastructure planning. 🏗️🌿 This makes it a valuable tool for both nature conservation and sustainable development. A science-driven approach to protecting Switzerland’s natural heritage! 🏞️🐟 #SPEED2ZERO #Biodiversity #Conservation #SustainableFuture

Check out the new publication by Romane Rozanski (PhD student) They generated 156 sequences of the mitochondrial 12S gene adapted to the “Teleo” barcodes from fishes sampled in the Bay of Biscay (BoB; Northeast Atlantic, France). Furthermore, they provided the sampling metadata (e.g., date, time, gear, coordinates, depth) and environmental variables measured in situ (e.g., conductivity, water/air temperature). This data set is valuable to improve the Northeast Atlantic eDNA genetic database, thus helping to better understand the effects of environmental forcing in the BoB, a transition zone housing mixed assemblages of boreal, temperate, and subtropical fish species susceptible to display variability in functional traits to adapt to changing conditions. 💡 To discover more about it: https://lnkd.in/gj8FrVc2

Exciting Postdoctoral opportunity to work on a project “Tectono-Geomorphic Processes and Mountain Biodiversity” The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution at the ETH Zurich is looking for candidates to fill a post-doctoral position as part of the fully funded SNSF Consolidator project “Burgeon” aiming at understanding the connection between tectono-geomorphic processes and the origination of biodiversity.  Check out the detail at: https://lnkd.in/gJ8hy_sH

Meet our new PhD student (Anna) with an exciting project: Anna’s primary areas of interest are computational astrobiology and space biology. In her PhD, she will be working on the Origins of Life (OoL) as part of the PANDORA project, which aims to create a geodynamic simulation of an Earth-like planet. Anna is in charge of integrating the OoL component into the simulation. Her approach involves synthesizing and analyzing all the simulation data to identify potential locations and conditions that could have allowed life to originate. She is also a member of the Polish Astrobiology Society and NASA GeneLab, where she engages in various astrobiology and space biology projects.

Check out our new publication: "Tropical cyclone risk for global ecosystems in a changing climate" Here we classify global ecoregions into dependent, resilient and vulnerable and show that a combined 9.4% of the surface of all terrestrial ecosystems is susceptible to transformation due to cyclone pattern changes between 1980–2017 and 2015–2050 under climate scenario SSP5-8.5 using the STORM model. Read full article at: https://lnkd.in/deKEBKd5

🌊🌏 Publication alert: Fish communities can simultaneously contribute to nature and people across the world’s tropical reefs  🌏🌊 Our recent study shows that reef fish communities can support nature and people simultaneously, challenging the idea that conservation must choose one over the other. By embracing transdisciplinary approaches—uniting ecologists, social scientists, policymakers, and local communities—we can refine strategies that balance conservation goals with local livelihoods. 📖 For more details, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gSF5RT-b #Sustainability #Conservation #ReefFishes #Biodiversity #OceanConservation

"Major Milestone for Research and Education in Bhutan!" We are thrilled to announce the establishment of clean laboratory for environmental DNA (eDNA) studies in Bhutan at College of Natural Resources. This represents a milestone for our project and will revolutionize how we monitor biodiversity, study ecosystems, and guide conservation strategies in Bhutan. This initiative is strengthened through collaborations with ETH Zürich, Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL, WWF-US, WWF Bhutan, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan and Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), Bhutan. Together, we aim to enhance conservation efforts, protect endangered species, and better understand changing biodiversity. With this clean lab, Bhutan steps forward as a hub for innovative biodiversity research and reinforces its commitment to safeguarding nature for future generations. #eDNA #Conservation #Biodiversity #Collaboration #Innovation

Publication alert: We present a spatial matrix factorization method that identifies optimal eDNA sample assemblages—called pools—assuming that taxonomic unit composition is based on a fixed number of unknown sources. These sources, in turn, represent taxonomic units sharing similar habitat properties or characteristics. The method aims to reduce the multi-taxa composition structure into a low number of dimensions defined by these sources. Using a marine fish eDNA survey on 263 sampling stations detecting 2888 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), we apply this method to analyse the biogeography and mixing patterns of fish assemblages at regional and large scales. Check out full article at: https://lnkd.in/gFSv3M4S