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eDNA is a molecular conservation tech tool that can be used to detect species presence in samples taken directly from the environment. To date, eDNA has been used for species detection, biomass estimation, diet analysis, reconstruction of past flora and fauna, and wildlife disease detection. Still a relatively new area of conservation tech, eDNA is in a phase of rapid innovation and growth, with improved ease of use and more accessibility allowing this technology to find new uses in the field and lab.

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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!

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@fuzzyatelin
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American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) & National Geographic Society

Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Biology at Boston University studying non-human primate genomics and evolution.

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@JennaSea
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@jlemesart

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@nickschurch
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Principal Statistician for Ecology and Environmental Science with Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland.

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@erikyoung

Board of Directors, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group. Interests include AI applications supporting salmonid species recovery

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@Ruthmery

Peruvian biologist working on Andean bear conservation in the Peruvian Andes

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@oag.gimenez
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French scientist working at the interface of animal ecology, statistical modeling and social sciences on the impact of human activities on population dynamics and species distribution and the management of large mammals.

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@rtsearcy

Stanford University

Doctoral Research at Stanford University | Interested in data science and observational approaches for issues in coastal health

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@LucieZ

Associate Prof. working on hidden biodiversity with eDNA in terrestrial and marine environments

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@Ahabwe_

Wildlife Biologist and Conservation Scientist

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Junior machine learning engineer with a background in data science and physics

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Description	Activity	Groups	Updated
WILDLABS AWARD 2025 - Automatization of a Contact-Free Saliva Sampler for Wildlife Conservation	Hola, Alen! I'm a veterinarian too and this device is being developed thinking of you and your colleagues. We want field veterinarians to be able to collect more samples with less...	Emerging Tech, eDNA & Genomics	1 month 3 weeks ago
New Group Proposal: Systems Builders & PACIM Designers	Thank you for your reply, ChadI meant 10 as a whole, indeed. Perhaps you see your post in one group, but since it is tagged for all groups, I assumed you meant 10 in total.In your...	Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Community Base, Connectivity, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Funding and Finance, Geospatial, Human-Wildlife Coexistence, Software Development, Wildlife Crime	1 month 3 weeks ago
Using drone or other unmanned vehicle for DNA sampling on fresh elephant dung in a Baï, Congo Rainforest.	Hi @skirchgeorg , thanks for the additional info. We discuss again about this with my colleague and we were still hesitating with the drone, as it will still make some noise that...	Drones, eDNA & Genomics	4 months 2 weeks ago
eDNA sampling kits	Hi Nabil,What medium do you want to sample for your eDNA (soil/air/water)? If its soil then you can simply collect a sample in a bag and freeze.This is a nice soil collection...	eDNA & Genomics	5 months 3 weeks ago
eDNA sampling kits	Hi all, I am trying to find simple pre-assembled eDNA sampling kits like these below but for sale in North America. Is that...	eDNA & Genomics	6 months ago
Thesis Collaboration	Hi Simon,We (Reneco International Wildlife Consultants) have an ongoing collaboration with a local University (Abu Dhabi, UAE) for developing AI tools (cameratrap/drone...	Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Connectivity, Drones, Early Career, eDNA & Genomics, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors	6 months 4 weeks ago
A question about nanopore sequencing analysis	Hi Muhammed,If you want any help with ONT please contact me	eDNA & Genomics	7 months 1 week ago
Integrating Satellite Data with on-the-ground conservation tech	Hi Phil, Thanks for sharing - this is really interesting work! Seems like a cool integration of ground-based (or ocean-based) data and satellite data, with a community...	Geospatial, Acoustics, Camera Traps, eDNA & Genomics	10 months 2 weeks ago
AI accelerator for nonprofits working in the Climate area	Thank you so much! Now everything is in the hands of amazing organizations and companies! But the first results of the Disaster Management cohort are bringing a very optimistic...	AI for Conservation, Climate Change, Early Career, East Africa Community, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Human-Wildlife Coexistence, Open Source Solutions	1 year ago
How does behavior influence the use of technology for animal detection ?	Hello everyone, I'm interested in gathering insights on how the behavior of different species impacts the development and efficacy of...	Animal Movement, Acoustics, Camera Traps, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation	1 year 4 months ago
eDNA from terrestrial plant	Hi everyone. I'm still confused about this. Is it feasible to employ environmental DNA (eDNA) for the detection of two distinct communities...	eDNA & Genomics	1 year 5 months ago
Looking for a Supervisor/Research Group - ML-driven Marine Biomonitoring	Thanks Aude, very useful. Will reach out to them!	Early Career, Acoustics, eDNA & Genomics, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools	1 year 7 months ago