Animal Tracking Using e-DNA

Saving Biodiversity

Source: DTE

Why in News?

According to some studies, DNA floating in the air (i.e. e-DNA) can boost biodiversity conservation efforts across the world.

Key Points

About:

Researchers from two teams have independently shown that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can potentially identify and monitor terrestrial animals.

Animals shed DNA through their breath, saliva, fur or faeces into the environment and these samples are called e-DNA.

Airborne e-DNA sampling is a biomonitoring method that is rising in popularity among biologists and conservationists as it provides abundant information.

Significance:

• It can help understand the composition of animal communities and detect the spread of non-native species.
• This method will work with the current techniques to monitor endangered species after some fine-tuning.
• Typically, biologists observe animals in person or by picking up DNA from animals’ footprints or faeces, which demand extensive fieldwork.
• Spotting animals can be challenging, especially if they inhabit inaccessible habitats.
• It can aid in tracking long-distance migratory birds and other birds’ flying patterns. It can also capture DNA from smaller animals including insects.
• Last year (2021), a proof-of-concept study used airborne e-DNA to monitor terrestrial insects.
• As wildlife ecosystems become rapidly and extremely chaotic owing to the alarming effects of climate change, terrestrial biomonitoring techniques are expected to adapt and progress rapidly for accurate and timely monitoring.

Related Initiatives:

Global EDNA Project: UNESCO launched the project to study the vulnerability of species to climate change at Marine World Heritage Sites in October 2021.

DNA

• DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in organisms that contains the biological instructions for building and maintaining them.
• The chemical structure of DNA is the same for all organisms, but differences exist in the order of the DNA building blocks, known as base pairs.
• Unique sequences of base pairs, particularly repeating patterns, provide a means to identify species, populations, and even individuals.

e-DNA

• Environmental DNA (e-DNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that is released from an organism into the environment.
• Sources of eDNA include secreted feces, mucous, and gametes; shed skin and hair; and carcasses. eDNA can be detected in cellular or extracellular (dissolved DNA) form.
• In aquatic environments, eDNA is diluted and distributed by currents and other hydrological processes, but it only lasts about 7–21 days, depending on environmental conditions.
• Exposure to UVB radiation, acidity, heat, and endo- and exonucleases can degrade e-DNA.