Water: Vertebrate metabarcoding / biomonitoring

eDNA water testing provides a cutting-edge, non-invasive tool for monitoring mammalian species in aquatic ecosystems, offering ecologists and conservationists an efficient way to detect and track mammal populations with minimal disturbance to their natural habitats. By targeting the 12S ribosomal RNA gene, a mitochondrial marker that is highly effective for species identification, this technique allows for the detection of mammalian DNA present in water samples, even in low concentrations. This approach is particularly beneficial for monitoring elusive, rare, or nocturnal mammal species that are difficult to observe directly. Additionally, it enables the detection of mammal presence during various life stages, including the presence of young or dispersing individuals, which may otherwise go undetected in traditional field surveys.

For conservationists working to protect aquatic ecosystems and the mammal species that depend on them, 12S eDNA water testing provides a valuable means of tracking species distributions, detecting invasive mammals, and assessing the health of habitats. This method allows for large-scale and remote monitoring of aquatic areas, which is especially beneficial in regions where direct observation or traditional trapping methods may be challenging or disruptive. By integrating 12S eDNA testing into their monitoring programs, ecologists and conservationists can gain comprehensive, real-time data on mammalian species presence and distribution, enabling more informed decision-making in habitat management, species protection, and biodiversity conservation efforts. This data can play a crucial role in developing conservation strategies aimed at maintaining the ecological integrity of aquatic environments and ensuring the survival of mammal species that depend on them.