Using Environmental DNA to prevent nature loss, with Brodie Thomas Artwork

Make Space For Nature

NatureScot presents podcasts that celebrate Scotland's nature and landscapes. In each episode you'll find numerous ways to connect with - and protect - our amazing natural world. We want to inspire everyone to join the fight against climate change and reverse nature loss. Immerse yourself and #MakeSpaceForNature in your life. www.nature.scot

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Make Space For Nature

Using Environmental DNA to prevent nature loss, with Brodie Thomas

November 23, 2022 • NatureScot • Season 2 • Episode 21

0:00 | 11:38

Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how this non-invasive sampling technique can monitor wildlife and help build up a detailed image of what lives where.

She explains the pros and cons of the technique, how it's being used to detect the presence of invasive non-native species, and the potential use of eDNA to help tackle nature loss and climate change.

Further reading:
Measuring biodiversity from DNA in the air Elizabeth L. Clare, Chloe K. Economou, Frances J. Bennett, Caitlin E. Dyer, Katherine Adams, Benjamin McRobie, Rosie Drinkwater, Joanne E. Littlefair Current Biology Journal

Airborne environmental DNA for terrestrial vertebrate community monitoring Christina Lynggaard, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Casper V. Jensen, Matthew S. Johnson, Tobias Guldberg Frøslev, Morten Tange Olsen and Kristine Bohmann Current Biology Journal