Work

Evaluating functional connectivity in urban aquatic ecosystems using environmental DNA: A case study on eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) habitats in Daegu, South Korea

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The integration of aquatic environments into urban ecosystems for biodiversity conservation has gained attention, yet the ecological functions of constructed aquatic habitats remain underexplored. This study characterized Eurasian otter ( Lutra lutra ) occurrence across urban water-body types, evaluated biotic and abiotic factors, and identified connectivity-informed restoration priorities. We surveyed 32 sites across rivers, streams, tributaries, reservoirs, and ponds in Daegu, South Korea, using qPCR to detect otter eDNA and metabarcoding to characterize fish communities. Otter eDNA was detected at 26 sites (81.3%), with detections particularly frequent in reservoirs and ponds and in Sincheon Stream. In the MaxEnt model, ecosystem type had the highest percent contribution, whereas distance from water had the highest permutation importance. Predicted suitable areas occurred across both natural and artificial environments; however, predictions in transportation and residential areas may reflect proximity to aquatic habitats or movement constraints rather than direct habitat preference. Otter eDNA signals were not significantly associated with fish diversity or community dominance, suggesting that prey biomass, body size, and accessibility may be more informative than taxonomic diversity alone. Using a cloglog threshold of ≥0.1, we identified 85 core habitat patches of ≥5 ha. Connectivity analysis highlighted stream–river confluences as central network hubs, constrained connectivity through the densely developed Jung-gu area, and potential stepping-stone functions of constructed aquatic habitats. These findings demonstrate that fine-scale eDNA occurrence data can be integrated with habitat suitability and connectivity analyses to identify spatially explicit conservation and restoration priorities for urban otters.

Source: Ecological Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115503

Authors: Yujin Kang, Suyeon Won, Jiyoon Park, Youngkeun Song

Institutions: Seoul National University, University of Connecticut

Language: English

Topic: Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650