Case Studies
Real-world applications of eDNA monitoring
Working with the EPA to Boost Community Restoration Projects Nationwide
Communities from around the country are putting their river restoration efforts to the test via the use of eDNA technology. Working with the Environmental Protection
Building a National eDNA Dataset for New Zealand
eDNA is changing the way we monitor and manage ecosystems in New Zealand – and a new national initiative is putting it to work at
eDNA Detection Uncovers Invasive Senegal Tea in Hawke’s Bay
Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling has enabled the early detection of Senegal tea (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides)—an aggressive aquatic weed—in Te Awa Mokotūāraro (Clive River) and the Karamū
Community Group Stops the Spread of Pest Plant
The fringed water lily Nymphoides peltata is one of New Zealand’s most notorious pest plants, forming dense mats on water surfaces and outcompeting native plant
Exotic Freshwater Clams (Corbicula) in Aotearoa
New Zealand is facing an emerging threat from two invasive freshwater clams: Corbicula fluminea (gold clam, from Asia) and Corbicula australis (from Australia). Since their
eDNA reveals new populations of rare stonefly
eDNA is revolutionising biodiversity monitoring, helping detect endangered species in remote habitats. But it’s also proving invaluable for taxonomists, offering genetic insights that can reshape
Wilderlab’s Role in Detecting Kōura in the Kakahu River
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)
Lake Whatumā: Funding Secured to Fight Alligator Weed
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has allocated $100,000 NZD to combat the spread of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) at Lake Whatumā. Currently confined to this area,
Awakōpaka Skinks—A Collaborative Conservation Effort
The Awakōpaka skink, a Nationally Critical species from Fiordland, faced imminent threats from a predicted beech masting event in late 2023. This event risked triggering
Detecting Endangered Lizards with eDNA Monitoring
The Otago skink, one of New Zealand’s most endangered lizards, inhabits steep, rugged terrain, making traditional visual monitoring difficult, costly, and time-consuming. In autumn 2024,
Kōura Rediscovered in the Kakahu River
For years, there were concerns that kōura (freshwater crayfish) had vanished from the Kakahu River. Local anecdotal reports suggested the species had disappeared, raising alarms
Uncovering Rare “Smeagol” Sea Slugs with eDNA
A new population of the nationally threatened Smeagol sea slug, or “gravel maggot,” was discovered in Otago’s Akatore Creek estuary, 50 km south of Dunedin—only
Detecting Adult Whitebait Kōaro with eDNA
A rare and exciting sighting occurred in the Pākuratahi Catchment near Napier: an adult kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis), one of New Zealand’s native whitebait species, was
eDNA Reveals Critically Endangered Flathead Population
Central Otago’s waterways are home to galaxiid species found nowhere else in the world. But trout predation and habitat loss have decimated populations of these
New Population of Clutha Flathead Galaxias Revealed by eDNA
A recent DNA analysis uncovered a previously unknown population of the threatened Clutha flathead galaxias in an Otago River. This exciting find highlights the power