Journal article
Winds of Change: Charting a Pathway to Ecosystem Monitoring Using Airborne Environmental DNA
Environmental DNA, Vol.7(4), 70134
2025
Abstract
Airborne environmental DNA (airborne eDNA) analysis leverages the globally ubiquitous medium of air to deliver broad species distribution data and support ecosystem monitoring across diverse environments. As this emerging technology matures, addressing critical challenges and seizing key opportunities will be essential to fully realize its potentially transformative impact. In June 2024, the Southern eDNA Society convened over 100 researchers, industry leaders, and biodiversity management stakeholders in a landmark workshop to evaluate the current state of airborne eDNA research and chart a course for future development. Participants explored opportunities for integrating airborne eDNA into existing monitoring systems, but they unanimously agreed that research must first be applied to improving understanding of airborne eDNA ecology. The workshop emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement with stakeholders-including government agencies, Indigenous communities, and citizen scientists-to ensure practical and ethical implementation. This summary highlights current challenges and actionable recommendations, including improving our understanding of airborne eDNA ecology, harmonizing sampling methodology (e.g., devices, materials, sampling density, duration), identifying and mitigating sources of error, and fostering early, sustained stakeholder collaboration. By addressing these challenges, airborne eDNA analysis can become a transformative tool for biodiversity, biosecurity, and conservation monitoring on a global scale. Its ability to detect diverse taxonomic groups-including fungi, plants, arthropods, microbes, and vertebrates-positions airborne eDNA as a pivotal technology for holistic terrestrial biodiversity assessments that transcend traditional, species-focused monitoring approaches.
Details
- Title
- Winds of Change: Charting a Pathway to Ecosystem Monitoring Using Airborne Environmental DNA
- Authors/Creators
- Rachel L. Tulloch - Australian National Insect CollectionClare I. M. Adams - University of OtagoMatthew A. Barnes - Texas Tech UniversityElizabeth L. Clare - York UniversityHenrik C. van de Ven - Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific ResearchAndrew Cridge - ScionFrancisco Encinas-Viso - Australian National Insect CollectionKristen Fernandes - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsDianne M. Gleeson - University of CanberraErin Hill - CSIRO Health and BiosecurityAnna J. M. Hopkins - Edith Cowan Univ, Sch Sci, Mol Ecol & Evolut Grp MEEG, Joondalup, AustraliaAnna M. Kearns - Australian National Insect CollectionGracie C. Kroos - University of OtagoAnna J. MacDonald - Australian Antarctic DivisionFrancesco Martoni - Agriculture VictoriaAngela McGaughran - University of WaikatoTodd G. B. Mclay - Australian National Insect CollectionLinda E. Neaves - Australian National UniversityPaul Nevill - Curtin UniversityAndrew Pugh - ScionKye J. Robinson - Health Sciences and NutritionFabian Roger - University of ZurichTracey V. Steinrucken - CSIRO Health and BiosecurityMieke van Der Heyde - Curtin UniversityCecilia Villacorta-Rath - James Cook UniversityJenny Vivian - University of the Sunshine CoastErin E. Hahn - Australian National Insect Collection
- Publication Details
- Environmental DNA, Vol.7(4), 70134
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Centre for Biodiversity Analysis Synthesis Group Grant Synthesis Group Grant from the Centre for Biodiversity Analysis
- Identifiers
- 991005884836707891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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