Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material shed by organisms into their surroundings - water, soil, or air - that can be collected and analysed to detect the presence of species without directly observing them. Scientists filter water samples or collect soil and use DNA sequencing techniques to identify which species are present, making eDNA a powerful, non-invasive tool for biodiversity monitoring, invasive species detection, and conservation assessment.