Derek Whipkey, a graduate student in zoology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is conducting a comprehensive study on the distribution of semiaquatic mammals in Southern Illinois. His research focuses on four native fur-bearing species: the American beaver, muskrat, river otter, and American mink. These species play a significant role in the local ecosystem and economy. However, Whipkey's study has a secondary but crucial objective—monitoring the potential spread of nutria, an invasive rodent species originally from South America.
Nutria are known for their destructive feeding and burrowing habits, which can devastate wetland habitats. To detect these invasive rodents, Whipkey combines traditional sign surveys with innovative methods, including the use of detection dogs and environmental DNA (eDNA). This noninvasive technique involves collecting genetic material from local water sources, allowing researchers to identify the presence of specific species without direct contact.
So far, Whipkey's eDNA analysis has confirmed nutria at two of the 67 sites surveyed. While these findings suggest that nutria may be dispersing into Southern Illinois, it remains unclear if they have established a stable population, as the species is sensitive to cold temperatures. However, with climate change potentially making the region warmer, continued monitoring is essential. Whipkey's research underscores the importance of early detection and highlights eDNA's promise as a valuable tool in managing invasive species.
