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WILDLABS logoWildlabs.net : The conservation technology network

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eDNA & Genomics / Feed

The eDNA & Genomics Group focuses on advancing biodiversity monitoring, species detection, and ecological research using environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics technologies. Our members are engaged in the collection, sequencing, and analysis of DNA from environmental samples—such as soil, water, and feces—to detect species presence, assess genetic diversity, and study population structure without the need for direct observation or capture.

Group curators

Sarra Farjallah
Dr. Sarra Farjallah is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Université de Tunis El Manar in Tunisia, where she has contributed significantly to the fields of molecular ecology, genetics and parasitology.
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Nabil Amor
My research focuses on using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to study endangered species, including carnivores, chiropterans (bats), and lizards, as well as their microbiomes.
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Kerstin Glaus
I am a marine biologist specializing in elasmobranch research. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher with the Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution Group, ETH Zurich, studying marine and terrestrial biodiversity using environmental and sediment ancient DNA.
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discussion

WILDLABS AWARD 2025 - Automatization of a Contact-Free Saliva Sampler for Wildlife Conservation

Maristela Martins de Camargo

28 May 2025 2:29pm

The WILDLABS AWARDS 2025 will enable our team - formed of the University of São Paulo (@mmcamar https://br.linkedin.com/in/maristela-martins-de-de-camargo...

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Alen Manqui

19 June 2025 6:28pm

I eagerly await further information about the progress of this type of technology and its availability. I am a wildlife veterinarian with experience in handling and capturing wild carnivores, and this type of device would certainly facilitate epidemiological monitoring of elusive and logistically difficult-to-handle wildlife species. Greetings from Chile!

Maristela Martins de Camargo

16 July 2026 6:57pm

UPDATE on Automatization of a Contact-Free Saliva Sampler for Wildlife Conservation

Hi everyone,

Quick update on our project one year after granted a WILDLABS Award 2025.

We were not able to create yet a version of the autonomous sampler that is safe enough to be tested with animals. Design of the protective case also proved challenging - a ready made steel box did not survive a curious bear and a regular trap camera security box did not survive a curious lion. Smells are big motivators!

We got plenty of saliva from them thou using our manual collector (which is coming out on eLife but can already be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.11.705368) 
We have been collecting saliva samples using the manual collector with coatis, marmosets, opossums and smaller mammals without need of a protective case. 
Hopefully this is useful to some of you.

Maristela (on behalf of the team)

P.S.: Keep an eye on our progress and reach out if you want to collaborate!
@swab_biosampler
https://sites.usp.br/swab/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maristela-martins-de-de-camargo-7bb9b75/

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Environmental DNA – From Biodiversity Monitoring to Decision Making (Applied Course at ETH Zurich)

Abby Hehmeyer

28 May 2026 4:09pm

ETH Zurich is hosting an applied course on eDNA for biodiversity monitoring, ecological research and decision-making. 📅 1 September 2026 - 15 January 2027📍 ETH Zurich, Switzerland 🗓️ Application deadline: 7 June 2026

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discussion

Call for marine sites worldwide to apply to join eDNA Expeditions 2026-2028

Laurent Chmiel

23 January 2026 11:00am

Interested in joining a global initiative on marine eDNA observations? Have a check at the eDNA Expeditions 2026-2028 project!  ...

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Nabil Amor

25 January 2026 2:09pm

@LaurentChmiel Excellent initiative! 🌊🧬 eDNA Expeditions 2026–2028 is a powerful example of how local eDNA sampling can generate global, decision-ready insights for marine conservation. Great opportunity for marine sites worldwide to build capacity, engage communities, and contribute to a global biomolecular observatory.

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Non-destructive environmental DNA extracted from owl pellet contents: A valuable tool for monitoring mammalian species richness

Ahmed Junaid

26 March 2026 1:40pm

Non-destructive environmental DNA.

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Read "Non-destructive environmental DNA extracted from owl pellet contents: A valuable tool for monitoring mammalian species richness | PLOS One" on

Non-destructive environmental DNA extracted from owl pellet contents: A valuable tool for monitoring mammalian species richness | PLOS One

Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers valuable presence/absence data for populations and has been widely used in comprehensive biodiversity assessments. However, applying eDNA in terrestrial environments poses unique challenges, particularly in obtaining samples that are representative of ecological communities. eDNA extracted from top-predator dietary samples can be an effective sampling source in monitoring prey populations. In this study, we tested a novel, non-destructive protocol to assess the efficacy of eDNA from barn owl (Tyto javanica delicatula) pellets as a tool for monitoring small mammal communities in an arid environment. We assessed the species composition and abundance of small mammals from owl pellets collected in the Simpson Desert in far western Queensland, Australia, using a three-tiered approach. We extracted DNA from 50 owl pellets and targeted a 16S mini-barcode for metabarcoding. We compared species detection via genetic analysis with that of morphological analysis, and finally with historical small mammal trapping data. The DNA extraction method presented here resulted in full preservation of prey bones and fur material for museum archival. eDNA detected four mammal species that were not detected via morphological pellet analysis, three of which are significant detections that had not been observed at this location before but were expected to occur based on likely distribution ranges. However, a key limitation of the eDNA approach demonstrated in this study, is that taxonomic identification was constrained by the completeness of reference databases, which can result in false negatives or ambiguous assignments. The results of the present study demonstrate that the specificity of an eDNA approach can offer advantages compared with morphological identification of mammalian remains from owl pellets, and that genetic owl pellet analysis may be particularly useful in full vertebrate diversity assessments that include reptiles, birds and amphibians that are unidentifiable from skeletal remains.

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From Environmental Clues to Wildlife Monitoring: The Power of eDNA

Ahmed Junaid

26 March 2026 1:24pm

BIOPOLIS-CIBIO is hosting an advanced course on environmental DNA (eDNA). 📅 18–22 May 2026 📍 BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal 🗓️ Application deadline: 27 March 2026

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discussion

eDNA sampling kits

Yvan Satgé

10 February 2025 3:05pm

Hi all,  I am trying to find simple pre-assembled eDNA sampling kits like these below but for sale in North America. Is that available? Or only as part of an assay?...

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Eily Allan

24 February 2026 9:09pm

Hi Yvan, 

This is super late, but we sell very similar kits that you can buy just the kits or kits + metabarcoding analysis at Wilderlab and we now have a USA office. Check it out here: www.wilderlab.co 

Thanks!

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