Molecular Ecology Research Group

Introduction

The Molecular Ecology Research Group (MERG) was set up at the Waterford Institute of Technology in 2000. The initial aim of the group was to develop DNA techniques for monitoring pine marten populations in Ireland. An efficient novel real-time PCR method has been developed to identify species from non-invasively collected samples. The method  has many advantages over traditional methods including sensitivity, cost and time required for analysis. The method is now being applied to wide range of mammals.

Thematic Areas

• Population genetics of pine marten in Co. Waterford 
• Small mammal monitoring using real-time PCR
• Pine marten behaviour in a highly fragmented habitat
• Development of DNA techniques to monitor red and grey squirrels

Male Pine Marten from Co. Waterford. Photo by Terry Whittaker

News

The molecular ecology group and collaborators from Newfoundland were involved in the making of a 15 minute section of the programme “Living the Wildlife”. This will be screened on RTE1 in May 2009.  

Contact Us

Dr. Catherine O'Reilly,
Molecular Ecology Research Group (MERG),
Department of Chemical & Life Science,
Waterford Institute of Technology,
Cork Road,
Waterford.

Tel:      051 834070     Email:  coreilly@wit.ie