Monitoring Invasive and At-Risk Species Using Environmental DNA

Course description

Explore the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies for detecting at-risk species and monitoring invasive taxa in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. eDNA offers a non-invasive, highly sensitive approach to biodiversity assessment by detecting genetic material shed into the environment by organisms. Learn how targeted and metabarcoding-based eDNA assays are being applied in Canada to improve conservation monitoring, inform management decisions, and support Indigenous-led stewardship efforts. Case studies will showcase the development and deployment of eDNA tools to track species of concern and assess ecological impacts across diverse landscapes.