"Working with EnviroDNA has allowed us to safely and accurately understand which species are in and around a waterway, and we can do this on a large scale.
We want more data available for the public and scientists to understand where our native animals are and aren't. A search on this scale using eDNA helps us to make good decisions to protect our native animals and threatened species.” - Sam Marwood, CEO Odonata Foundation.
Odonata Foundation
Biodiversity monitoring, citizen science
Conservation
The Great Australian Wildlife Search is an ambitious project designed to utilise citizen science and ecological monitoring to address significant knowledge gaps in biodiversity understanding throughout Australia. Traditional methods for monitoring over large areas can be challenging due to their high costs, labor-intensive nature, and time-consuming processes.
eDNA technology enabled Odonata and EnviroDNA to design comprehensive citizen science eDNA-powered surveys. Citizen scientists registered to collect water samples, receiving eDNA kits, training and site information. EnviroDNA analysed 3700 samples across 1850 sites using metabarcoding. For the Victoria spring sampling season, this revealed 224 distinct species, including 30 threatened species. Findings included 77 fish, 16 amphibians, 77 birds, 41 mammals, and 13 reptiles.
- Expanding publicly available biodiversity data
Understanding the distribution of native and invasive species is crucial for making informed decisions on biodiversity management. - Enhanced conservation efforts
The establishment of a robust biodiversity baseline enables more informed decision-making for conservation investments, helping to protect threatened species and critical habitats. - Long-term ecological value
The establishment of a biobank facilitates future analyses, enabling continuous monitoring and exploration. Melbourne Water is already planning to enhance this extensive dataset by examining species on a smaller scale, including macroinvertebrates.
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is a proud financial and project partner of the Great Australian Wildlife Search. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is an independent statutory agency in the Australian Government, responsible for working with Basin states, industries and communities to manage the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources.
Want to learn more?
We deliver innovative citizen science programs using eDNA. Sampling is safe, simple and easy to learn. These tools open the door for communities to connect with local ecosystems and help guide restoration activities. We have designed programs for community groups, schools and organisations to deliver tailored programs based on a range of community or social objectives.