FBIP: DNA barcode reference library for plants from Addo Elephant National Park for herbivore diet studies

Study Extent

Addo Elephant National Park, two localities: Main Camp and Colchester

Sampling

Data from specimen labels / datasheets. DNA barcoding done by Prof P Taberlet of Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France. Specimens vouchered in Ria Olivier Herbarium, identified by PhD student (C. Weatherall-Thomas), Prof E. Campbell. Specimens that could not be identified based on morphology were barcoded and barcodes used to obtain identifications

Method steps

1. This survey will be undertaken throughout the Addo Main Camp and Colchester Sections of the Addo Elephant National Park, this to cover 8 vegetation types that occur here. An initial literature and expert-based survey indicates that approximately 500 plant species should be sampled, these reflecting both dominant plant species, plant species of conservation significance and plants that are potentially consumed by the herbivores (the latter comprising 13 species) Sampling will comprise the collection of tissue and herbarium samples. Samples will be located in the field by local experts, tissues samples stored in labelled, silica-dried tubes and matched plant species will be prepared for herbarium curation in the Ria Olivier Herbarium at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This phase (plant collection, identification and curation) will be undertaken by a team of botanists and ecologists, including Profs Campbell and Kerley, Dr Landman together with postgraduate and undergraduate students. SANParks Regional Ecologist A Gaylard will also assist with this phase, together with SANParks Field Rangers (for protection of researchers). The field work will be initiated in January 2014 (or as soon as funds are released) and will run for 12 months. In this period there will be at least three major sampling trips to cover the phenological patterns of the plant communities. The tissue samples will then be sent to France, under a BABS permit, for analysis. The DNA barcoding itself will be supported by a separate project and will be undertaken in collaboration with Dr Pierre Taberlet of the Joseph Fourier University, France. The DNA analysis will be divided into three sub-tasks: (i) DNA extraction, (ii) DNA amplification, and (iii) DNA sequencing. Sequence reads will be analysed using tools specifically designed for such analyses, including http://www.grenoble.prabi.fr/trac/OBITools. It is anticipated that these DNA analyses will require an additional 6 months.

Most specimen have been identified to Genus level while others to Species and Subspecies level.

1. Plantae
   rank: kingdom

Addo Elephant National Park, two localities: Main Camp and Colchester