The detection of DNA directly from the natural environment offers advanced ecological survey options, suitable for monitoring species in tropical ecosystems. The collective term for DNA shed by an organism interacting with its habitat is environmental DNA (eDNA). If sampled and preserved before it degrades it can indicate the recent presence of an organism. These methods are adept at surveying cryptic and elusive species in challenging environments. Sampling is fast and cost-effective, reducing the requirement for extensive technical expertise and time surveying in the field. eDNA techniques are non-invasive and non-destructive and often increase detection sensitivity. The resulting detection data can stand alone or supplement existing surveillance methods improving species occupancy and distribution models.



This session will cover the history and current applications of eDNA and describe the different sampling methods available, both those commercially available and currently emerging, including aquatic, airborne and invertebrate-derived DNA sampling methods. Guidance will be provided on which method to employ in different scenarios, incorporating our observations on which sampling method is most efficient for different orders of animals, and habitats. Participants will leave with a good understanding of single-species (qPCR) and multi-species (metabarcoding) approaches, with advice on how to select the appropriate method for your study. Attendees will have the opportunity to test some available samplers, with advice on how to build them, and where they are commercially available.



The aim of this workshop is to increase the use of eDNA techniques in tropical field surveys. We are passionate about increasing the uptake of eDNA studies to aid conservation efforts and are eager to share our insights with the community. For attendees interested in implementing their own eDNA projects, the workshop will provide a complete theoretical and practical understanding of different sampling techniques and direction for subsequent analysis.



The session will highlight research guidelines to generate a robust study, with appropriate controls and sampling strategy. As there are options for commercial processing of samples, the laboratory techniques for processing samples will not be covered. This ensures our workshop is relevant to all practitioners, including those without access to a molecular laboratory for analysis. However, we will discuss using detection results to generate distribution and occupancy modelling in data deficient areas.



Attendees will not be expected to have any previous experience. The molecular techniques will be introduced in a light-touch way, so that survey design maximises the potential of these methods.