Projects

GeMonA+ – Development of a genetic module as a contribution to a holistically coordinated biodiversity monitoring in Austria

GeMonA+ is a consortium project of ABOL partners under the leadership of the University of Graz, in which six Austrian universities and the NHMW are involved. The project is funded by the Biodiversity Fund of the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.
The GeMonA+ project aims to develope an efficient and scalable monitoring concept based on DNA barcoding. In times of rapidly ongoing species extinction, such cost- and time-efficient methods are indispensable in monitoring the effectiveness of biodiversity measures taken. GeMonA+ is intended to make a significant contribution to the standardization of biodiversity surveys in Austria and beyond.
The project addresses two topics, on the one hand the recording of flying insects using metabarcoding of Malaise trap catches and on the other hand the identification of flower or plant visitors using eDNA washing of plants. In addition, a proof of concept will be carried out by catching insects with nets.
The surveys will run over two seasons at 7 selected locations of different biotope types, all of which are located in protected areas.

Team at the NHMW: Dr. Nikolaus Szucsich, Dr. Michaela Sonnleitner (ABOL), Oliver Macek, MSc.
Partners: Dr. Christian Sturmbauer, Univ. Graz (Lead), Dr. Harald Meimberg, BOKU Univ., Dr. Andreas Tribsch, Univ. Salzburg, Dr. Bettina Thalinger, Dr. Michael Traugott, Univ. Innsbruck, Dr. Irmgard Greilhuber, Univ. Vienna
Website: https://www.abol.ac.at/project/gemona/

ABOL-RefDat – the generation of DNA barcoding reference data for Austrian animal, plant and fungal species

The ABOL project RefDat aims to generate at least 5,000 DNA barcodes for at least 1,500 species of animals, plants and fungi that occur in Austria. By expanding the Austrian reference database, the project contributes directly to the expansion of biodiversity research and biodiversity monitoring, central goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

The aim of the project, which is funded by the Biodiversity Fund, is to generate DNA barcode reference data and close data gaps in Austria. One focus is on pollinators, soil and aquatic organisms. For the generation of the DNA-barcodes the taxonomic expertise of Austrian natural history museums, universities and various biodiversity experts will be used. On the one hand, existing collection material is used, and on the other hand, after GAP analyses, new material will be collected.

The DNA barcodes generated in the project will be available open access for numerous applications in the international BOLD database. With this method, species identification can be carried out much more efficiently in nature conservation practice, making it easier to cope with the increased monitoring requirements (e.g. insect mortality, climate change, biodiversity crisis).

If you would like to provide suitable material (collection permit required!) please contact us ()!

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