It uses innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to gain insights into where threatened species are found at select sites across the Murray-Darling Basin’s waterways.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has financially supported collections at the first 420 sampling sites in this round, so testing is free for participants. This saves citizen scientists $400 in testing costs at each location.
“This sampling will help map the distribution of aquatic species across the region which will then help protect the most significant ecological communities,” MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said.
“We need people power to make this a success and hope that individuals and groups from across the basin will do their bit to help give us a comprehensive picture of the health of our waterways so we can help ensure we have healthy, functioning rivers for generations.”
Odonata Foundation chief executive Sam Marwood said in 2021, the Victorian phase of the Great Australian Wildlife Search played a crucial role in the conservation of 42 threatened species.
“eDNA technology works by collecting and analysing just a few samples of water, which allows the detection of traces of DNA that wildlife shed into their environment,” he said.
“This then helps scientists identify and locate the distribution of threatened aquatic species, such as the platypus, endangered fish and the Murray River short-necked turtle, and in turn supports conservation efforts to protect them.
“The Great Australian Wildlife Search and the associated eDNA technology is a game-changer for conservation across Australia, and indeed the world, by enabling regions of greatest ecological significance to be identified and protected.”
Join the search by reserving a testing location among the sites across the Murray-Darling Basin. The kits include all the equipment needed and easy-to-follow instructions. Sign up at: https://wildlifesearch.org.au
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