In the mist-covered forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa's best-known reserves, scientists are turning to a new technology to detect and protect endangered species like golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
They are using environmental DNA, or eDNA, technology to detect and protect endangered species by analyzing genetic traces such as fur, feces and other material left in soil and water, a method researchers say reduces the need for intrusive field surveys that can disturb wildlife.
The technology, more often used in marine conservation work, was introduced by the African Wildlife Foundation in partnership with the Rwandan government. It aims to develop a list of all species in the country. That will help protect biodiversity that is threatened by climate change and population growth.
"We selected eDNA as a new technology to bring solutions and to complement existing methods used in ecological monitoring," said the foundation’s country manager for Rwanda, Patrick Nsabimana.
Biodiversity monitoring for decades has relied on camera traps, which operate when animals trigger their sensors and ranger observations.
