Opuha Water Ltd (OWL) sought to better understand biodiversity within the Kakahu River through routine monitoring. Local reports had raised concerns that kōura (freshwater crayfish) were no longer present in the catchment.
Wilderlab partnered with OWL to apply environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, analysing water samples to detect genetic traces of aquatic species. This approach enabled the detection of kōura both upstream and downstream of OWL’s discharge point, including within the gorge.
The confirmation of kōura’s presence — a threatened and elusive species — demonstrates the value of eDNA analysis in guiding conservation strategies and strengthening freshwater ecosystem management.
Source: Farmers Weekly – New test to detect earthworm eDNA levels in soil
Photo Farmers Weekly
