Weasels are members of the Mustelidae family, known for their long, slender bodies and meat-eating habits. They can be found in many places around the world, but tracking their populations can be tricky, especially here in Ohio.
Traditional trapping surveys have limitations, so the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) and Ohio Northern University (ONU) are working together to improve weasel monitoring using new techniques. These include camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding.
This article explores the current state of weasel monitoring in Ohio and the new approaches being used to better understand these elusive creatures. So, let’s dig into the details of where you may find the weasel in Ohio!
Weasel Species and Distribution in Ohio
Two weasel species have been documented in Ohio: the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) and the least weasel (Mustela nivalis). The long-tailed weasel is far more common than the least weasel.
Long-tailed weasels tend to live in areas with lots of rodents and other small mammals to eat. They thrive in grasslands, forests, and even farm fields.
Historically, the least weasel was also present in the state, but sightings are few and far between. Most historical records of weasels in Ohio refer to the long-tailed weasel. While there isn’t much data on weasel population trends, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has noted that the least weasel is quite rare. The last confirmed sighting of a least weasel was at Tidd-Oakes Farm in 2005.
Why is it so hard to know how many weasels live in Ohio?
It’s tough to keep tabs on weasel populations. Traditional methods like trapping surveys have drawbacks. Trapping takes a lot of work, and it can hurt the animals. Plus, it might not give us a full picture of how many weasels there really are or where they live.
We can’t just rely on seeing them, either. Weasels are small and sneaky, making them hard to spot. When people do see them, it’s not very often, and sometimes those sightings aren’t reliable.
We really need better ways to track these guys without disturbing them. Good data is super important if we want to protect them.
Innovative Monitoring Techniques: Camera Traps and eDNA Metabarcoding
Researchers are using a couple of high-tech tools to monitor weasels and other wildlife in Ohio: camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding.
Camera Traps
Camera traps are motion-activated cameras that snap photos or videos when an animal wanders by. They’re a non-invasive way to see what animals are around and how they behave.
In 2023, researchers deployed camera traps at ONU’s Tidd-Oakes Farm (TOF) to keep an eye on the weasel population and other critters. They’re hoping to expand camera trap deployment across the state.
Already, the camera traps have captured images of squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and shrews, providing valuable data about the local ecosystem.
eDNA Metabarcoding
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is DNA that animals shed into the environment. Metabarcoding involves analyzing this eDNA to figure out which species are present in a sample.
Researchers are collecting soil samples near the camera traps for eDNA analysis. They extract DNA from the samples and amplify it using VertU primers. These primers, designed by Wang et al. in 2023, are used to amplify mitochondrial 12S, 16S, and COI genes and can detect more than 90% of vertebrates.
The researchers are also using tissue samples from weasels collected by the Ohio Department of Wildlife (ODW) as controls.
Collaboration Between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Northern University
The Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) and Ohio Northern University (ONU) are working together on this project. The ODW is offering its wildlife management and conservation expertise, while ONU is providing research facilities and getting its students involved.
This partnership is a win-win for Ohio wildlife monitoring. By combining resources and knowledge, the ODW and ONU can achieve shared goals. Plus, the project gives ONU students valuable research experience.
In Summary
Monitoring Ohio’s weasel populations presents both challenges and opportunities. Traditional survey methods have limitations, but new technologies like camera traps and eDNA metabarcoding offer promising avenues for more comprehensive data collection.
The collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Wildlife (ODW) and Ohio Northern University (ONU) is crucial for improving monitoring efforts. By combining camera trap data with eDNA analysis, researchers gain a more complete picture of weasel distribution and abundance.
Future research should investigate the impact of habitat loss and climate change on weasel populations. Continued monitoring and innovative research will be essential for ensuring the long-term conservation of these elusive creatures in Ohio.