Aldabra Atoll feedback

[obishelpdesk]

On behalf of [e-mail]

Hello,

The eDNA results are impressive, identifying 889 fish species, 424 of which match our existing Aldabra records. Summing all of our sighting databases togethers, there are approximately 500 fish that have been observed previously, which means that the eDNA analysis has captured majority of these databases.

While the bird species identified was not exhaustive due to sampling focus, all birds identified by the eDNA analysis have previously are recorded on Aldabra, except the little egret. It's worth noting that the dimorphic egret, which is sometimes considered a subspecies of the little egret, is found on Aldabra. It would be good to have more insight into this and whether the little egret identified is the dimorphic egret typically observed.

Lastly, there are two entries for the giant oceanic manta ray. Could one of these entries for the reef manta ray?

Thank you once again for the insight provided into the biodiversity of Aldabra.

[Pieter Provoost]

Aldabra Atoll would like to change their feedback to the following:

• The eDNA showcases the species diversity on Aldabra, underscoring the richness of biodiversity on Aldabra. Fish species constitute the majority, making up 78% of the species through eDNA, of which at least 77% have been recorded in our existing databases. There are 86 newly captured species through the eDNA work, however, we can confirm that some of these have been observed previously and just not officially monitored. Of these species, there are also 2-3 deep-sea fish which is interesting considering the samples were collected at the surface. We would be keen to know the time the samples were samples.
• All the birds, mammals, turtle and as well as significant portion of the cnidaria have also been recorded on Aldabra.
• Lastly, the eDNA analysis was able to capture species that are not easily identifiable via traditional, such as algae, worms, fungi and unicellular organisms, expanding our understanding of the biodiversity that the Aldabra ecosystem supports.