Using environmental DNA to uncover biodiversity

A person sits beside a mountain river examining equipment

JIGME DORJI NATIONAL PARK :: BHUTAN

On a late spring day, WWF scientist Arnaud Lyet crouches by the edge of Bhutan’s Paa Chhu River as the rocky, snow-covered crest of Mount Jomolhari looms in the distance. He’s just plunged a long, clear tube into the river to pump some of the icy water through a filtration system that collects environmental DNA (eDNA)—genetic material from skin, hair, feces, and saliva shed by wildlife into the river.

He’ll then analyze those traces of eDNA to build a more comprehensive picture of the biodiversity present in this rugged Himalayan landscape—including, he hopes, mountain-dwelling species like snow leopards and blue sheep.

Monitoring biodiversity in hard-to-reach high alpine areas using traditional survey methods like camera traps is challenging and expensive. But with eDNA technology, it’s possible that researchers can more accurately and affordably confirm the presence of the various species in these regions, enabling us to better conserve the ecosystems that support them.

“eDNA allows us to reveal the hidden tapestry of life in these remote locations,” says Lyet. “It’s a game-changer for how we understand and protect our planet’s most vulnerable wildlife.”

This study is part of a larger goal to test and increase Bhutan’s capacity to catalog and monitor its biodiversity using eDNA, which WWF-Bhutan and the country’s Department of Forests and Park Services have been using since 2022.

Explore More

About
World Wildlife magazine provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the connections between animals, people and our planet. Published quarterly by WWF, the magazine helps make you a part of our efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the natural world.

View all issues View the current issue's PDF