Rwanda introduces digital technologies to explore nature
In the Volcanoes National Park, Rwandan scientists have begun using environmental DNA, or eDNA, to detect mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other species. This method allows you to read the genetic traces left in the soil and water, including fur, saliva and faeces.
The eDNA technology, complementing field research and camera traps, allows you to cover more territory and scale research. According to scientists, even a single sample from rivers, ponds, or wetlands can identify several species at once, such as amphibians, mammals and birds.
So far, eDNA works best as an addition rather than a substitute for other monitoring tools, as the technology shows the presence of animals, but not their numbers, and does not allow precise location determination. In addition, there are still insufficient genetic databases in the region to accurately identify species from samples.
FURTHER AFRICA
