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How collecting DNA samples in the wild could transform conservation
The project aims to catalog all species in Rwanda and improve monitoring in rugged terrain, where camera traps and ranger patrols can miss wildlife.
- Researchers in Rwanda are using environmental DNA to track species within Volcanoes National Park, an initiative introduced by the African Wildlife Foundation and Rwandan officials.
- Traditional monitoring methods like camera traps and ranger observations struggle in the rugged terrain of the Virunga mountains, which span Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.
- This technology allows researchers to identify species by analyzing genetic material found in soil and water samples, including fur or feces left behind by wildlife.
- The project helps conservationists in Rwanda monitor species colonization and provides early warnings for invasive threats, while aiding patrolling against poachers, people involved said.
- Despite its potential, the technology faces logistical hurdles, including limited genetic reference libraries in Africa and the need to send samples to Europe for processing.
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16 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left8Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 22%
R 21%
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