eDGES Program - eDNA for Global Environment Studies
Understanding and Conserving Biodiversity in a Changing World
The eDNA for Global Environment Studies (eDGES) program, based in the Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory at Curtin University, is using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) research to transform how we understand and protect the natural world. By developing innovative eDNA monitoring technologies, our researchers can detect and monitor biodiversity in oceans, rivers, soils, air and underground ecosystems from the genetic traces that organisms leave behind.
Our work spans ecological monitoring, conservation science and environmental genomics, providing new tools to help governments, industries and communities better manage ecosystems, respond to environmental change and support biodiversity conservation. Through world-leading research and collaboration, eDGES is helping build a more sustainable future for people and the environment. Beyond the research, our goal is to translate this knowledge into outcomes for society that will ultimately enhance our collective wellbeing.
What is Environmental DNA (eDNA)?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material that organisms leave behind in their environment through sources such as skin cells, scales, hair, faeces, pollen and other biological traces. By collecting and analysing samples from water, soil, air or sediment, scientists can detect the presence of species without the need for direct observation or capture. Environmental DNA monitoring provides a powerful, non-invasive approach for assessing biodiversity, tracking ecosystem change, detecting invasive species and monitoring threatened populations. As a rapidly advancing field within environmental genomics, eDNA is transforming ecological monitoring by enabling more comprehensive, efficient and scalable assessments of ecosystems across local, regional and global scales.
Projects
eDGES v2 (2024 - Present)
Project 1 – Improving reptile monitoring in the Pilbara
New eDNA methods to survey threatened and elusive reptile populations in the Pilbara region, where mining activity overlaps with the greatest diversity of lizards and snakes in WA.
Project 2 – eDNA and 'moving beyond the barcode' for subterranean fauna detection and conservation
Developing high-resolution eDNA tools to monitor the biodiversity of groundwater habitats, thereby gaining new evolutionary insights and better conservation of species in this hidden world.
Project 3 – Restoration ecology via integrative eDNA approaches at the Salar de Punta Negra
Using eDNA, groundwater data and ecological models to provide guidelines for long-term rehabilitation of Chile’s Punta Negra salt flat – environmentally damaged due to water extraction.
Project 4 – Detecting invasive marine species
Advancing high-precision eDNA technology, allowing early detection of invasive marine species such as foreign oysters and sea squirts to help make more informed management decisions.
See full project details.
Project 5 – Mapping life in the Northern Pilbara
Documenting the diversity of marine species in the Pilbara region, many of which are currently unknown. The findings will be compiled into a book, Marine Life of the Pilbara, to help in identifying and distinguishing between native and invasive species.
See full project details.
Project 6 – Broad-scale monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems with eDNA
We aim to develop and test eDNA methods for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity changes at broad spatial scales. Another goal is to reduce the reliance on special equipment and cold storage allowing for efficient eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring in dry, remote areas.
Project 7 – Living waters of Western Australia (LiWA)
This project will enhance the ability to monitor wetland health using DNA-based survey methods, crucial for tackling wetland loss in WA. Ancient DNA from sediments will be used to examine past biodiversity changes. The project will include a citizen science component to increase the societal value and help us interpret the impact of past and present biodiversity challenges.
Project 8 – Measuring abundance with eDNA
eDNA methods can show if species are present but not how many individuals there are. This project will develop new cutting-edge methods to estimate species abundance from eDNA samples.
See full project details.
Project 9 – Using environmental DNA in natural capital accounting
Aims to develop a framework for implementing eDNA indicators of biodiversity into natural capital accounting. By merging environmental and economic information, businesses can track their impacts and make more informed, sustainable decisions.
eDGES v1 (2020 - 2024)
Project 1 – eDNA monitoring and conservation genomics of the Pilbara Olive Python
Aims to merge eDNA monitoring with whole genomic analyses to study the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni), resulting in deep population genomic insights and evolutionary ecology information to guide conservation priorities. A key outcome in this study will be the generation of the first Olive Python reference genome.
Project 2 – eDNA for subterranean fauna detection and conservation
Develops new high-resolution eDNA tools for monitoring genetic diversity in subterranean animals across different sites, in order to facilitate their conservation and obtain new groundbreaking information into the evolutionary processes in this hidden world.
Project 3 - Functional ecology of Chilean precordillera lakes: towards a wetland health index for birds
By uniquely combining eDNA technology with isotope analysis this project aims to not only investigate the wetland biodiversity but also characterize ecosystem web dynamics from sediment microbes to the migratory Chilean flamingos. This will allow us to understand the food chain and identify keystone species that are indicators of wetland health.
Project 4 – Improve sensitivity and specificity of eDNA metabarcoding tools for Invasive Marine Species detection
This project aims to develop crucial target information of invasive marine species (IMS) and native co-inhabitants from the Northwest Shelf of Western Australia. This will greatly enhance the ability of eDNA to detect IMS in ports, ballast and structural waters to become the first line of defence in the seas.
Project 5 – Benthic communities associated with port and harbour infrastructure in the Pilbara: Targeting invasive marine species
Environmental DNA samples will be collected from manmade assets and natural habitats across ports and harbours of the Pilbara region to identify patterns in the distribution of organisms and preferences for structure types and depth. Surveys will be made for invasive marine species and native biodiversity.
Project 6 – Terrestrial ecosystem biomonitoring with eDNA across the tree of life: The Olympic Dam case study
The objective of this project is to validate cutting edge molecular tools to assess terrestrial biodiversity (soil microbial communities, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates) and commence development of an eDNA based metric for evaluating the condition of terrestrial ecosystems. This approach to ecosystem monitoring will advance the study of individual species to understanding entire ecosystems and how species interconnect.