University of Queensland researchers have created new tools that could change how conservation experts monitor and protect some of Australia’s most endangered species.
Associate Professor Celine Frere from UQ's School of the Environment led a team who’ve managed to capture airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) – DNA shed by organisms into the environment – to detect the presence of wildlife species, including koalas, in their natural habitats.
“Current methods of tracking wildlife populations such as thermal drones, detection dogs, and camera traps are critical for conservation, but are often costly and labour-intensive,” Dr Frere said.
Photo Credit: MartinStr via Pixabay
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