What is it?

All living things leave behind tiny traces of DNA – called environmental DNA (eDNA) – in their surroundings. This can come from skin, faeces, mucous, hair, eggs, sperm, and more.

With eDNA testing, we can detect whether a specific species is or was present in a body of water – without needing to see or capture the organism.

At Southern Scientific, we offer eDNA testing for water samples.

From these water samples, we can extract any DNA, amplify it using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and match it against a database to identify the species it came from.

Why is it used?

eDNA testing can be used as a powerful tool for a variety of tasks, such as: 

• Detecting invasive, harmful, or endangered species
• Assessing biodiversity before construction or land development
• Tracking pollution & environmental contamination
• Supporting long-term conservation and habitat monitoring
• Informing environmental impact assessments and compliance

Benefits over traditional surveying

Compared to conventional wildlife surveys, eDNA testing offers:

• Higher sensitivity: Detects rare species more reliably
• Greater accuracy: Eliminates identification errors common in field-based surveys
• Non-disruptive sampling: No trapping, netting, or habitat disturbance
• No permitting: As a non-invasive method of sampling, it does not require a license.
• Lower cost: One water sample can test for many species
  
  

Who needs it?

Whether you’re planning a project or monitoring a habitat, eDNA testing delivers the information you need. Our service is ideal for:

• Environmental consultants and ecologists
• Developers and planning professionals
• Local authorities and regulatory agencies
• Conservation groups and researchers
• Anyone needing biodiversity data quickly and accurately