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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Link
Environmental DNA (eDNA).
11 August 2025
Link
eDNA - Spider Webs & Terrestrial Vertebrates.
10 August 2025
Careers
If you're a PhD student, post-doc, advisor, or marine expert - Plan Vivo is looking for you!
5 August 2025
Link
eDNA & Reptiles.
4 August 2025
Careers
While learning from our ecological restoration project managers’ experience, the Assistant Project Manager will provide essential technical and logistical support to the team. This role will focus on fieldwork, data...
10 July 2025
Article
Population genetics with eDNA
Claude Miaud
Using SNP markers with an Amphibian species, we were able to identify a total of 17,617 nuclear single nuclear polymorphisms shared across individual, pond eDNA (4 populations) and tank eDNA samples (where tadpoles of...
30 May 2025
Article
Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map launched!
Carly Batist and 1 more
Conservation International is proud to announce the launch of the Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map, developed in partnership with the Nature Tech Collective!
1 April 2025
Funding
Arctic Community Wildlife Grants Program
World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF's Arctic Community Wildlife Grants program supports conservation, stewardship, and research initiatives that focus on coastal Arctic ecology, community sustainability, and priority Arctic wildlife, including polar...
7 March 2025
Funding
Osa Conservation is launching our inaugural cohort of the ‘Susan Wojcicki Research Fellowship’ for 2025, worth up to $15,000 per awardee (award value dependent on project length and number of awards given each year)....
10 February 2025
Link
The authors used the Continuous Degradation Detection and LandTrendr to map forest disturbance and regeneration, carbon sequestration and changes in habitats. This was coupled with eDNA from soil samples from...
2 November 2024
Article
Join us in celebrating this year’s Judging Panele Award winners!
19 August 2024
July 2021
December 2019
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| 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 | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| Please share your experiences and how you are using eDNA. |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| There will be an eDNA talk at the Mares Conference, February 1st to 5th 2016, Olhão, Portugal The talk is titled: "Species detections in environmental DNA using... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| Article about Claude Miaud's presentation at the Fuller Symposium: https://www.wildlabs.net/resources/thought-pieces/biodiversity-drop-water-new-opportunity-edna |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 7 months ago | |
| Thank you for sharing! |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 7 months ago | |
| Dear eDNA community, Take a look at this eDNA news blog: http://www.spygen.com/blog/ |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 8 months ago | |
| eDNA is a complex topic and getting a start in the field can be intimidating. However, this excellent review from 2014 can be very... |
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eDNA & Genomics | 9 years 8 months ago |
