Airborne DNA and Spider Webs Outperform Other eDNA Sources for Monitoring Terrestrial Vertebrates.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the strengths and limitations of different environmental DNA substrates is essential for optimising terrestrial vertebrate surveys and monitoring. However, the performance of newly explored substrates (airborne eDNA, vegetation swabs, spiderwebs) compared to longstanding eDNA sources (water and soil) is uncertain. Using a metabarcoding approach, we assessed vertebrate eDNA diversity across seven substrates: three airborne DNA collection methods (a powered "active" fan system and two passive collection methods), spider webs, vegetation swabs (including swabbing tree trunks and leaves), water, and soil at Perth Zoo and Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary. Active air sampling and spider webs yielded the highest taxonomic richness (Zoo: 83 and 62 taxa; Karakamia: 44 and 40, respectively

SUBMITTER: Newton JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12627915 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature