Okala

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has transformed biodiversity monitoring by detecting species through the genetic material they naturally leave in their environment.

The method works by sampling water, soil and other substrates to detect DNA fragments from skin cells, scales, and other biological material shed naturally by animals.

eDNA monitoring is especially useful for detecting rare or elusive species that direct surveys, camera traps and acoustic monitoring can miss.

A new study published in Science Advances showed that low-cost rain collectors can be used to extract eDNA from rainwash in mature Amazonian forests. Incredibly, the method detected eDNA from tropical woody and epiphyte plants, vertebrates, and insects, giving us a window into canopy biodiversity.

Once collected, the eDNA is analysed and matched against genetic databases for species identification where possible.

eDNA is one of the methods we use at Okala to support organisations with biodiversity data collection and analysis, and we're always looking for new ways to improve how we use it. Have you or your organisation used eDNA sampling? 🧬 What applications interest you the most?