Environmental DNA
Biodiversity assessments are often difficult as some places can be out of reach and surveying large ecosystems can be time consuming and miss important species.
However, all animals, plants, and microbes, leave traces of DNA, and this can be used to reflect their past or present status. Environmental DNA or eDNA for short, can be collected from a variety of sources, such as water or soil, and be DNA sequenced to identify species.
We can detect a range of species from microbes to mammals, fungi to plants, and have ready to go tests for biodiversity assessments. We can also design new tests to monitor invasive species or endangered animals.
eDNA is being used by a range of communities and industries as an alternative method for biodiversity assessments. It can save time compared to traditional methods and provides a transparent way of ongoing biodiversity monitoring.
Biodiversity assessment
Our standard and extensive eDNA panels can detect a variety of animals, plants, and microbes from water and soil and may be used for baseline biodiversity for ongoing restoration projects.
Single species detection
Looking for a threatened or endangered species? We can detect species of interest to reduce your time searching for them in the wild.
Floral origin
We can use a sample of honey to determine which flowers the bees visit to give you insights into the honey’s colour, aroma, and taste.
Invasive species
We can design panels to detect invasive species to assist in wildlife management of pests.
Dietary analysis
From a scat sample, the species origin can be determined as well as the diet of the animal.
Soil samples
We can determine the biodiversity of soil and identify species from tracks. May be used restoration projects and tracking animal distributions
Air DNA
We can capture DNA from the air for detection of pollen, weeds, and fungal spores. Can be used for early detection of weeds and diseases within the environment.
eDNA Collection Kits
Our eDNA collection kits make it easy to collect and store samples. These kits can be used for most water sample types, but for sampling of high turbidity environments such as wetlands we can adjust the collection kits to make it still easy to filter without loss of species detection. Let us know what type of environment you are working with prior to ordering any eDNA kits so we can ensure you get the ideal kit.
Step 1. Open Kit
Each kit comes with a set of gloves, a filter, 5mL syringe with DNA preservative, and an empty 50mL syringe.
Step 2. Filter Water
Fill the 50mL syringe with water, attach the filter, and filter the water. Repeat for up to a total of 200mL of water.
Step 3. DNA Preservative and Mail
Transfer the filter to the 5mL syringe and pass approximately 2.5mL of the DNA preservative through the filter. Add the cap and then send to us for DNA sequencing.