DNA Barcoding and The Australian Barcode Network

1. DNA BarcodingandThe Australian Barcode Network www.chromosome.com/dnapic2.html

2. ALPHA TAXONOMY Barcoding provides a rapid assessment without the need for detailed morphological expertise in the first instance. More detailed morphological analyses can be undertaken if one is interested in functional morphology, evolutionary adaptations etc. Rapid confirmation of cryptic species.

3. MORPHO-SPECIES • Morpho-taxa are designated on easily recognizable characteristics but not comprehensively compared with other species or formally described. • How do we determine whether similar looking morpho-species from different locations are the same or different? • DNA barcoding can provide a test of conspecificity. • Morpho-species approach with DNA barcoding can be used to undertake rapid assessment of new biodiversity.

4. LINKING ADULT and JUVENILE/LARVAL FORMS Linking adult and juvenile stages is often difficult in groups such as marine and freshwater invertebrates, fishes, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates. Important implication for management of fisheries, marine bio-regionalisation, identifying larvae of pest species and monitoring freshwater quality. Better understanding of dispersal patterns of adults and juveniles. Documenting taxonomic diversity need not rely only on adult specimens.

5. TRACKING LIFE CYCLES OF SPECIES In species with complex life-cycles, especially parasites with multiple hosts, barcoding can be an invaluable tool.

6. LINKING MALE AND FEMALE MORPHOLOGIES In many Dipteran and Hymenopteran insects, species identity is based on male genital morphology. Female morphology is more conserved and useful at generic alignment but not species identity. Documenting taxonomic diversity need not rely on male specimens only. Better understanding of dispersal of males and females within a species and relative abundances of the sexes.

7. INVASIVE vs. COSMPOLITAN SPECIES A global approach is needed to identify whether a species is widespread in its distribution, or has dispersed through recent human-mediated events. Regional barcoding programs are a key component. Taxonomic approaches rely on knowledge of taxonomic variation, whereas regional ones are not biased by taxonomic perceptions. BOLD database provides the vehicle for researchers to differentiate between cryptic species, cosmopolitan species and invasive species.

8. BENEFITS OF DNA BARCODING • DNA barcoding can speed up identification of new species. • DNA barcodes can be linked to readily observable morphological characters. • DNA barcoding can provide an avenue to encourage new participants into taxonomy. • Applied taxonomic research areas will benefit from barcoding.

9. Barcode of Life - International Consortium Initiative Vision: • Plan to launch a large-scale, collaborative program to build comprehensive barcode registry for eukaryotic life • Initiator - Paul Hebert, University of Guelph, Ontario Targets: • Acquisition of DNA barcode records for 5M specimens representing 500K species • Timeframe 5 Years • Raise $150M Invitation • Australia has been invited to join ICI

10. Founding Members International Consortium Initiative Central Nodes Regional Nodes Developing Nodes Canada European Union United States Australia Brazil China India Korea New Zealand Norway South Africa Argentina Colombia Costa Rica Kenya Madagascar Mexico

11. ICI Funding Target (5 Years ) Total Funding $150M Central Nodes > $25M per node Regional Nodes > $5M per node Developing Nodes > $1M per node

12. ICI is an alliance of researchers and biodiversity organisations in 21 nations. All nations active in specimen assembly, curation and data analysis. Sequencing and informatics support by regional and central nodes. Central Nodes Regional Nodes Developing Nodes Collection and Databasing Curation and Identification Sequencing MirroredDatabases Data Analysis and Access

13. Examples of Current Australian Barcoding ProjectsFauna

14. Examples of Current Australian Barcoding Projects Flora

15. Australian Barcoding Regional Node • to be called The Australian Barcode Network; • a decentralised model with a large networkof barcode supporters, users and participants; • a Steering Committeewill facilitate and support the barcoding network; • Website to be established as a key means of communication.

16. SteeringCommittee Dr Les Christidis (Chair) Australian Museum, Sydney Dr Stephen Cameron CSIRO Entomology, Canberra Dr Joanne Daly CSIRO Agribusiness, Canberra Dr Dan Faith Australian Museum, Sydney Prof Andrew Lowe Adelaide Botanic Gardens/Univ. of Adelaide Dr Andrew Mitchell NSW Dept Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga Dr Janette Norman Museum Victoria, Melbourne Dr Bob Ward CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research Dr Cameron Slatyer Aust Dept Environ & Water Resources, Canberra Dr Brett Summerrell Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney Dr Paul de Barro CSIRO Entomology, Queensland Secretary to Committee Australian Museum, Sydney Rebecca Hancock

17. Links to International Initiatives • CBOL Scientific Advisory CommitteePaul de Barro, CSIRO Entomology - Australian representative • CBOL fish barcodingDr Bob Ward, CMAR - co-chair of with Paul Hebert • Australian FISH-BOL Dr Bob Ward, CMAR & Martin Gomon, Museum Victoria - co-chair • CBOL “All Birds Barcoding Initiative” Dr Les Christidis, Australian Museum, Dr Janette Norman, Museum Victoria, Dr David Lambert, Massey University, NZ - co-regional coordinators • CBOL “Leading Lab” networkAustralian Museum • CBOL members - Plant Biodiversity Centre, Adelaide Botanical Gardens; - CSIRO, Hobart; - Australian Plant DNA Bank, Lismore; - National Herbarium of Victoria at Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne - Australian Museum, Sydney - Macquarie University, Sydney

18. Roles of the Steering Committee • promoting barcoding for the benefit of Australia; • contribute to international initiatives where appropriate; • establishing Australian Barcode Network website; • informing the Network about barcoding initiatives, support, conferences etc; • providing advice on CBOL standards; • Workshops /training; • negotiating on behalf of barcoders; • providing a link for barcoders to government departments – to “wave the flag”; • pursue funding opportunities.