What is environmental DNA ?
All living organisms leave traces of their genetic material (DNA) as they move. This DNA can come from the skin, excretions or small wounds. These traces of genetic material remain in the environment, in water, soil or in the air.
We currently have important advances in the field of molecular biology that allow us to filter and capture this material, for example by filtering water. Then, using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique, some regions of the genome are copied thousands of times and sequenced. These sequences are then compared with databases that allow us to identify the species that left their genetic material in their wake.
It is an almost magical technique that allows you to identify organisms without having to see them!
Sun in winter, snow in summer
Investigating the migratory connection of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) between their breeding areas in the Colombian Pacific and their feeding areas in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Partners
Coquí Community (Community Councils), Hurtigruten Expeditions, Hurtigruten Foundation
Aim
Study the population of humpback whales that breed on the Colombian Pacific coast and feed on the Antarctic Peninsula using DNA analysis techniques (genetic characterization) to monitor their presence, movements and behavior.
Importance
Contribute to the understanding and conservation of these majestic creatures, helping to take measures for their protection based on the generation of scientific data.
Answers in a drop of water
Elucidating the population structure of the tucuxi dolphin from environmental DNA analysis.
Partners
Dolphin Quest, Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center, IUCN cetacean specialist group.
Aim
To know the genetic diversity of dolphins of the species Sotalia fluviatilis in the Amazon basin through the analysis of environmental DNA analysis.
Importance
To test the potential use of environmental DNA analysis as a tool to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of the tucuxi, one of the smallest dolphin species in the world, one of the most difficult to study, and one of the most more require scientific information for their conservation programs.
Great-grandmothers, grandmothers and mothers:
Maternal lineages and genetic diversity of Hawksbill turtles in the Colombian Caribbean.
Partners
Rosario Islands Oceanarium-CEINER.
Aim
investigate the genetic diversity and the relationship between the populations of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) of the Colombian Caribbean with the populations of other places in the world.
Importance
Contribute to the knowledge of these species and generate data that support their conservation programs.
In search of the Totas fat catfish:
Based on environmental DNA analysis.
Partners
“Alexander von Humboldt” Biological Resources Research Institute, Rewild, Shoal, Corpoboyacá, NatureMetrics.
Aim
Identify the presence of the catfish (Rhizosomichthys totae) in the Tota Lagoon based on environmental DNA analysis, in order to confirm its existence and support its conservation.
Importance
Confirm if the species still exists in Laguna de Tota and areas surrounding it, since this species is considered extinct since the late 1950s. Information on the possible presence of this species still in the Laguna will support biodiversity conservation efforts. in high mountain aquatic ecosystems.
Citizen science in the Antarctic Peninsula:
Identifying marine vertebrate communities from environmental DNA analysis
Partners
Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Foundation.
Aim
Involve tourists on Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises and the process of collecting environmental DNA samples to identify species of marine vertebrates that are part of the fauna community around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Importance
Contribute to the knowledge of marine vertebrate communities in the Antarctic Peninsula, promoting the conservation of the last pristine corner of the planet, as well as training ship passengers in the application and use of this technique.
