Environmental DNA

The widespread adoption of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection tools for biodiversity monitoring has led to the need for universal data standards to inform principled eDNA data applications. Improvements in understanding the meaning and possible uncertainty of eDNA data can minimize erroneous conclusions, increase confidence in eDNA data, and maximize conservation outcomes.

-Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the genetic material left by organisms in the environment.
-eDNA is increasingly being used to detect the presence of species and assess biodiversity, but broad-scale best practices are still being developed.
-This affects the quality, accessibility, and usefulness of data.
-Non-invasive eDNA sampling can complement or enhance conventional approaches, as it can be a highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective tool for biodiversity monitoring.
-Creating unified eDNA data best practices and developing DNA reference libraries will ensure eDNA detection methods are applied consistently to accurately inform conservation and wildlife management.