Airborne sampling terrestrial ecosystems at Mt Rothwell

We partnered with the team at Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre to undertake research and development for eDNA air sampling. This is an innovative project that advances our understanding and capabilities for monitoring terrestrial ecosystems using airborne eDNA. We are conducting a number of long-term field surveys trialling networked, solar-powered active samplers, and simple, low-cost, passive samplers at Mt Rothwell’s predator-free reserves. Samples are being screened using vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant metabarcoding assays to detect biodiversity and effects of meteorological factors. This is an ideal location to undertake this research given the varied natural environments, and our existing understanding of the species in and around these reserves.