Monitoring aquatic species in expansive water bodies has always been a challenging task. Traditional methods often involved manual observation, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, in central China's Hunan Province, a groundbreaking approach is making waves in wildlife conservation.
At the Yueyang Tower water observation point near East Dongting Lake, Li Benchao, director of the Dongting Lake Ecological Environment Monitoring Center, and his dedicated team have embarked on a mission to harness the power of Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. By collecting water samples and analyzing the genetic material shed by organisms, they can accurately assess the population of the elusive Yangtze finless porpoises in the region.
\"In the past, the detection of aquatic species such as the Yangtze finless porpoises and fish mainly relied on manual observation. This method was not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the data obtained was also inaccurate. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, as an emerging biological monitoring method, can achieve effective monitoring even when the density of the Yangtze finless porpoise is low,\" explained Li.
This innovative use of eDNA allows for more precise and efficient monitoring of aquatic life, ensuring that conservation efforts are based on reliable data. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of better protecting the diverse species that inhabit China's vital water ecosystems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
