Population genetic assessment of European Godwit populations through the use of egg-shell membrane derived DNA

The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa limosa) is a large, relatively long-legged waderbird. In the previous 15 years Black-tailed Godwit numbers have declined by 25% globally, therefore UICN and Birdlife International have classified this species as Near Threatened in 2006.

The Netherlands as a country harbors extremely important breeding numbers of these waders, as 40% of the European population breeds in the Netherlands. However, since the 1960s Godwits numbers have declined by nearly 66% as well.

To halt this ongoing decline Krijn Trimbos is trying to get a clearer picture of the genetics underlying Godwit populations and population dynamics on European scale, which will hopefully shed some light on what strategies we could use to reverse these negative Godwit population trends.

To research DNA samples from different populations in Europe and their genetics he developed a method to extract DNA from freshly hatched egg-shell membranes. As egg-shells and their accompanying membranes are relatively easy to collect, this will make large scale assessment of population genetics possible.

A Dutch article in Mare about experiences during his fieldwork to obtain the DNA of European Godwits by the use of egg-shell membranes is available.