Native Species
Cawthron's eDNA expertise can be applied to monitoring and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's precious native flora and fauna.
eDNA Services for Native Species
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a valuable tool for monitoring native species in aquatic environments.
Native Species Habitat Assessment
Using eDNA analysis, we can help assess the overall health of aquatic habitats. Changes in the presence or absence of native species' eDNA can indicate shifts in habitat quality or pollution levels, informing conservation efforts.
Species Detection
Many of Aotearoa New Zealand's native aquatic species are rare or elusive, making traditional survey methods challenging. eDNA can detect the presence of these species even when they are difficult to observe directly.
eDNA monitoring can help track our native species to inform conservation efforts. We have developed assays for kākahi (freshwater mussel), tuna (short and long finned eel), and are developing many more.
Species Distribution
eDNA can be a useful tool to monitor the presence and distribution of native aquatic species in Aotearoa New Zealand's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This is particularly important for threatened or endangered species, as it provides a cost-effective and efficient way to assess their populations and habitat use.
eDNA tests for Native Species
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General fish | Detects all fish | |
| Hauhau/Waikaka/Kōwaro/Mudfish | Neochanna | A native species |
| Kākahi/freshwater mussel | Echyridella sp. | A native species |
| Kanakana/Piharau/Lamprey | Geotria australis | A native species |
| Tuna/eel | Anguilla dieffenbachii, Anguilla australis | A native species |