DNA from air may help identify, track animals in the wild: Studies

Context

DNA floating in the air can boost biodiversity conservation efforts across the world, two independent studies found. 

• Researchers from two teams have independently shown that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can potentially identify and monitor terrestrial animals.

What is DNA?

• DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.
•  Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA.
• Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

What about animal’s DNA?

• Animals shed DNA through their breath, saliva, fur or faeces into the environment.
• These samples are called e-DNA.
• The study indicated a big potential of airborne eDNA to be used for conservation of terrestrial vertebrates.
• This method will work with the current techniques to monitor endangered species after some fine-tuning.