Environmental DNA or eDNA, a newly adopted method to study the presence of species in the environment in the country, has been found quite effective. This is according to officials from the Department of Forests and Park Services who launched the country’s first eDNA report today coinciding with World Ranger Day. Officials said using eDNA will enhance wildlife surveys, provide insights into their presence and abundance, and complement other methods such as camera traps.
The usage of eDNA in the country started as a pilot study in 2022. Officials used the eDNA method to study the presence of species along the Mangdechhu.
They collected 48 eDNA samples from the main channel of the Mangdechhu, its tributaries and stagnant water.
The samples were then analysed at a laboratory in the College of Natural Resources.
Officials found numerous critically endangered species such as the white-bellied heron and golden mahseer.
“From the pilot study, we were able to detect about 201 unique vertebrate taxa. So, given that level of detection in a short period within a focused geographic location, it indicates that the tool is quite effective in detecting some of the species that were not detected earlier,” said Kuenley Tenzin, Programme Manager of WWF Bhutan.
He added that eDNA involves collecting hair, skin and other genetic materials from environmental samples such as soil, water or snow, of any living organism and then analysing the DNA fragments to identify different species.
The method is said to offer more efficient and cost-effective means to assess the health of the ecosystem.
Officials said the eDNA method is not intended to replace other monitoring tools such as camera traps.
“eDNA is a complementary tool to traditional biodiversity monitoring tools such as camera traps, enhancing the detection of species. By leveraging new technologies like eDNA, we aim to enhance and support existing monitoring tools for more effective and accurate monitoring of species and biodiversity. So, this allows each method to complement each other wherever there is a shortfall in the deployment of these tools,” said Kuenley Tenzin, WWF’s Programme Manager.
The data collected from eDNA method will be used for mapping the distribution of rare and high-value species, assessing fish populations, and monitoring tiger and prey populations among others.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
