Gaps in DNA reference libraries of UK species were identified by the Defra DNA Centre of Excellence Working Group as one of the main barriers preventing the further uptake of DNA based methods for environmental species monitoring. This report details the continuation of the UK Barcode of Life (UKBOL) project and progress in barcoding priority species.
In particular, an additional 2,862 specimens of 1,515 species were collected and databased, with 1,171 specimens of 750 species sequenced and added to BOLD. The project website was developed to facilitate a continuous gap analysis of species coverage. Priority species, critical for Natural England monitoring on sensitive sites such as SSSI’s were identified based on assemblages within the Pantheon database (Webb and others, 2018): Bare Sand and Chalk inverts (F111, Open Short Sward Inverts (F112), Scrub Edge Inverts (F001), Bark and Sapwood Decay Inverts (A212), Heartwood Decay Inverts (A211) and Fungi (C14). These species were compared with existing data on BOLD to identify species needing additional data in a list of 208 species (128 Arthropoda and 80 Fungi) requiring sequence data. The arthropods were checked for representatives in the NHM collection, with 108 species present with exemplar specimens selected for genome skimming.
The fungal gap list was provided to Kew with samples in preparation for genome skimming. The gap analysis and subsequent search of museum collections left twenty arthropod species targets for the 2024 field season. These species will be targeted in collaboration with Natural England Field Unit, national conservation schemes and conservation societies.