Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is a molecular sampling technology that collects information about organisms using DNA shed by them into their environment. While eDNA holds exciting potential to become an efficient, low-cost, non-invasive ecological monitoring method, a lack of standardization of approaches and purpose-built sampling equipment make it hard to compare results and determine its actual effectiveness across studies. Detection success and accuracy also vary greatly among species and environments, making standardization a challenge.
However, as eDNA moves toward becoming an industry standard method for species detection and management, the equipment is beginning to transition from largely do-it-yourself experimental contraptions to professionally engineered tools. For example, Smith-Root Inc. recently developed the first-ever purpose-built eDNA sampling system, which they call ANDe™. We’re also seeing an expansion of eDNA applications from mainly marine to freshwater and even terrestrial environments, although the latter still requires substantial growth.
As this nascent field develops, it is critical for the conservation tech community to explore and identify how eDNA applies to management needs, and to ensure that continued development meets those needs. Beyond indicating species presence, research so far suggests that eDNA can contribute to conservation by deepening understanding of population dynamics, resource usage, disease presence, invasion pathways of non-native species, and population genetics, to name a few. This indicates that it could be a critical tool for managing imperiled and invasive species.
If you're new to eDNA and genomics, check out our Tech Tutors episode "How Do I Use Portable Genomics in the Field?" featuring Ineke Knot. You'll also find a bank of resources on that page, including a handy glossary of terms in our collaborative notes document!
Does your work involve eDNA and genomics, or are you curious about incorporating this type of technology into your field or lab work? Start a discussion in our group forum!
Header Image: Benjamin Barca
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Conservation Technologist, National Geographic Explorer, and Founder of Conservify and FieldKit
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I am the WILDLABS East Africa Community Coordinator
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Jack of all Trades. I've been a zoo keeper, a conservation geneticist and a web developer who specialises in conservation projects and orgs.
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I'm the WILDLABS Research Specialist at WWF-US
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Seabird ecologist at Clemson University, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Co-chair of Caribbean Seabird Working Group.
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I'm interested in combining knowledge in ecology and machine learning to do research and make application. I'm a master's student in ecology, with a B.A. in Ecology and an M.S. in applied data science.
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Worked as a mechanical engineer for a defence co, then software engineer, then for a research lab specialising in underwater robotics.
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Research Microbiologist at the U.S. Geological Survey based out of Montana
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Careers
Proposals wanted for Innovation in Practice
Ellie Warren
The Innovation in Practice edition of Methods in Ecology and Evolution is still seeking proposals about conservation technology
6 March 2023
1
Article
The guide considers four different types of samples (water, sediments, invertebrate collections and diatoms), and two primary analysis types (single species detection via methods such as qPCR and assessment of...
23 February 2023
Careers
The Environmental Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich welcomes applications for a postdoctoral fellowship on robotics methods for the collection of environmental DNA to automate monitoring of biodiversity in terrestrial...
12 February 2023
1
Article
Exploring the potential of eDNA as a conservation tool
Heather Needham
Environmental (DNA) has emerged as a powerful and accessible tool to non-invasively and cost-effectly identify the presence of species in an environment, used by conservationists, researchers and citizen scientists. In...
10 February 2023
1
Careers
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
Meredith Palmer
WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International are seeking an early career Vietnamese conservationist for 12-month paid internship position to grow and support the Southeast Asia regional community in our global...
11 January 2023
Article
New conservation tech articles from Mongabay
Carly Batist
Five articles that include conservation tech published at Mongabay
20 October 2022
Careers
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
Meredith S. Palmer
*New closing date!* WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International are seeking an early career conservationist for 12-month paid internship position to grow and support the Southeast Asia regional community in our global...
19 October 2022
Careers
The Senior Conservation Technology Specialist will be responsible for providing technical advice and capacity development to GWP project teams on conservation technology, distilling challenges and lessons from project...
22 September 2022
2
Funding
The European Biodiversity Partnership Biodiversa+, co-funded by the European Union, has launched a call for research proposals on “Improved transnational monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem change for science and...
14 September 2022
1
Careers
Conservation Technology Research Internship
Meredith Palmer
Boost cons tech capacity at an international NGO! Fauna & Flora International is offering a paid three-month internship to consolidate and share best practices for the application of emerging hardware and software...
26 August 2022
2
Careers
Post Doctoral researcher - DNA species detection technology
Natalie Schmitt
Are you interested in joining a team dedicated to changing how conservation is conducted around the world by developing new genetic technologies for conservation, and being part of the new wave of scientists paving a...
15 August 2022
Careers
eDNA Postdoc in Seattle
Kate Bertko
Postdoc position focused on marine mammals, oceanography and eDNA!
15 July 2022
1
April 2023
event
Stephanie O'Donnell
March 2023
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Stephanie O'Donnell
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Stephanie O'Donnell
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Stephanie O'Donnell
February 2023
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carly, that would be great! Thanks! I work with soundscapes and love the work of Rainforest Connection! I'll send you an email (@CUNY) to coordinate! |
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Acoustic Monitoring, AI for Conservation, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Remote Sensing & GIS | 6 days 20 hours ago | |
| Thanks so much!! |
|
Acoustic Monitoring, AI for Conservation, Biologging, Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Remote Sensing & GIS, Software and Mobile Apps | 8 months 1 week ago | |
| It is! Here you go: |
|
eDNA & Genomics | 10 months 1 week ago | |
| @gracieermi & I are happy to announce the latest update to the Conservation Tech Directory, bringing our total resources in the... |
|
Acoustic Monitoring, AI for Conservation, Biologging, Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Remote Sensing & GIS, Software and Mobile Apps | 11 months 1 week ago | |
| Some folks doing work in this space - Wildlife Drones, Conservation Drones, UAV Wild, AfricanDrones, Oceans Unmanned, Geonadir. |
|
Drones, AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech | 11 months 2 weeks ago | |
| New paper by Héloïse Verdier of LEHNA lab: Passive sampling of environmental DNA in aquatic environments using 3D-printed hydroxyapatite samplers https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/... |
|
eDNA & Genomics | 1 year ago | |
| Posting for a labmate. La encuesta está en inglés, pero se ha proporcionado una traducción en español (ver... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 2 years ago | |
| Hi Wildlabbers, Ineke's episode is up on our Youtube now! Follow this link or watch it below. You can also find our collaborative notes from this episode here (where you... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 2 years 9 months ago | |
| Ah! Well you're in luck.. We're doing acoustics first thing next year. Late January some time, so in good time for your field season. We also had the audiomoth team give a... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 3 years 5 months ago | |
| Hi Emily, Rachel has some practical suggestions about rigging your current centrifuge up to fit the small tubes. What do you think - vIable? 1) If you're... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 5 years 2 months ago | |
| Interesting new article on in-the-field DNA analysis. |
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eDNA & Genomics | 5 years 7 months ago | |
| This could be huge for monitoring territorial species, not to mention have the potential to reduce the number of... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 7 years 4 months ago |
Accidentally gathering eDNA data from air monitoring filters
7 June 2023 8:13pm
This new Nature feature discusses how air pollution monitoring stations in the UK have accidentally become tools for gathering eDNA data from the air. Interesting to consider how this could change wildlife monitoring, especially in urban areas where this infrastructure is already set up!
ISO Speakers for Emerging Technologies class.
31 May 2023 4:29pm
2 June 2023 2:08pm
Carly, that would be great! Thanks! I work with soundscapes and love the work of Rainforest Connection! I'll send you an email (@CUNY) to coordinate!
From Everest to the Annamite Mountains: Applying molecular tools for conservation.
18 May 2023 5:06pm
In this captivating presentation, Dr. Tracie Seimon, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, shares her groundbreaking work on using molecular tools for wildlife conservation. Her efforts include the development of a rapid DNA test kit specifically designed for Saola, a vital component in the search for this critically endangered species. Join Dr. Seimon on her journey from Mount Everest to the Annamite Mountains as she unravels the secrets of wildlife genetics.
Building a strong data foundation to measure impact for Nature-based Solutions
24 March 2023 8:56am
Using eDNA to survey Country: Traditional Owner Training & Certification Program (Part 3 of 3)
21 March 2023 4:44pm
How to interpret results and get the most out of eDNA data (Part 2 of 3)
21 March 2023 4:41pm
Importance of eDNA survey design (Part 1 of 3)
21 March 2023 4:38pm
Proposals wanted for Innovation in Practice
Ellie Warren
6 March 2023 10:34pm
Lichen DNA Barcoding – From Sample to PCR product
23 February 2023 9:28pm
A workflow overview aimed at PCR beginners on DNA barcoding of lichens. Thought this might be interesting to anyone exploring DNA tech for environmental studies beyond just wildlife.
A practical guide to DNA-based methods for biodiversity assessment
NatureMetrics
23 February 2023 12:14pm
Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s Annual Meeting 2023
20 February 2023 10:56pm
Recording: Opportunities of eDNA in biodiversity and ecosystem services
17 February 2023 8:49am
Postdoctoral fellowship in drone-assisted collection of environmental DNA.
12 February 2023 4:01pm
Developing Two Non-invasive Survey Methods for Freshwater Ecosystems: Environmental DNA and Ecoacoustics
10 February 2023 10:41am
Interesting PhD thesis just shared via ResearchGate, looking at developing eDNA and bioacoustics to 1) detect invasive/endangered crayfish & identify rivers vulnerable to invasion, and 2) Describe pond soundscape ecology/phenology, & provide guidelines for survey design.
Exploring the potential of eDNA as a conservation tool
10 February 2023 9:45am
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
11 January 2023 5:00pm
New conservation tech articles from Mongabay
20 October 2022 7:45pm
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
Meredith S. Palmer
19 October 2022 9:22am
Conservation Tech Directory - new update!
29 August 2022 2:38pm
23 September 2022 5:26pm
Congrats on the milestone Carly and Gracie!
26 September 2022 10:07pm
Thanks so much!!
Senior Conservation Technology Expert Position (Consultancy) with the Global Wildlife Program
22 September 2022 5:35pm
New paper: Environmental DNA as a management tool for tracking artificial waterhole use in savanna ecosystems
19 September 2022 2:43pm
From Max Farrell on Twitter: "New paper comparing eDNA and camera traps for tracking waterhole visitation. We took pictures, analyzed DNA in drinking water, built a reference library for vertebrates in the Kruger, and asked how well these tools work (and why!)"
Scientists Solve Mount Everest Wildlife Mysteries Through the Use of eDNA
14 September 2022 2:53pm
A team of scientists headed by WCS and Appalachian State University employed environmental DNA (eDNA) to record the breadth of high-alpine biodiversity on Mount Everest.
CFP - transnational biodiversity monitoring (from European Biodiversity Partnership)
14 September 2022 1:42pm
Conservation Technology Research Internship
26 August 2022 4:58pm
Post Doctoral researcher - DNA species detection technology
15 August 2022 4:50pm
Tech Tutors: How do I use eDNA in large-scale monitoring of terrestrial mammals?
21 October 2021 12:26pm
28 July 2022 2:52pm
Hi - is a recording of this session (Using eDNA in large-scale monitoring) still available?
28 July 2022 4:47pm
It is! Here you go:
eDNA Postdoc in Seattle
15 July 2022 11:00pm
New Conservation Tech Directory update
27 June 2022 4:45pm
Cofounder needed
9 June 2022 4:23pm
17 June 2022 1:14pm
What about developing a drone conservation training course for field conservation staff teaching specific skills for specific research needs.
17 June 2022 6:54pm
How exciting @Joyeeta ! I'd love to learn more about the companies and projects you worked on, can you share more info about them?
I once chatted to an entrepreneurial advisor with a couple of my conservation tech ideas, and he said my ideas are good/impactful but don't make for a product worth millions of $$$ of turnover per year that would interest investors. So I am very curious about how you got your conservation tech businesses off the ground!
18 June 2022 8:33pm
Some folks doing work in this space - Wildlife Drones, Conservation Drones, UAV Wild, AfricanDrones, Oceans Unmanned, Geonadir.
Multiple positions open at NatureMetrics
4 June 2022 12:41pm
31 May 2023 10:21pm
Definitely interested! I'm in the ecoacoustics/acoustic monitoring space, working at Rainforest Connection and Arbimon.