Uses and Misuses of Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Science and Conservation

TLDR

The study of environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to revolutionize biodiversity science and conservation action by enabling the census of species on a global scale in near real time. The review aims to resolve technical challenges by exploring eDNA’s main uses and the complexities introduced by its misuse. The authors review current eDNA methods, highlighting the need for workflow refinement, calibration, validation, and a deeper understanding of eDNA’s natural history and ecological limits. Although eDNA analysis can provide powerful information, particularly in freshwater and marine environments, its impact is likely to be less significant in terrestrial settings. Broad adoption of eDNA tools in conservation will depend on resolving current uncertainties in data interpretation.

Abstract

The study of environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to revolutionize biodiversity science and conservation action by enabling the census of species on a global scale in near real time. To achieve this promise, technical challenges must be resolved. In this review, we explore the main uses of eDNA as well as the complexities introduced by its misuse. Current eDNA methods require refinement and improved calibration and validation along the entire workflow to lessen false positives/negatives. Moreover, there is great need for a better understanding of the “natural history” of eDNA—its origins, state, lifetime, and transportation—and for more detailed insights concerning the physical and ecological limitations of eDNA use. Although eDNA analysis can provide powerful information, particularly in freshwater and marine environments, its impact is likely to be less significant in terrestrial settings. The broad adoption of eDNA tools in conservation will largely depend on addressing current uncertainties in data interpretation.