Properties and Limitations of eDNA Substrates for Terrestrial Animal Monitoring.

ABSTRACT: Environmental DNA (eDNA) constitutes a valuable tool for monitoring terrestrial animal diversity, but outcomes are affected by multiple factors. Among these factors, the choice of sampling substrate and method is especially important and must be aligned with research objectives. We reviewed 245 published studies that utilise eDNA for terrestrial animal monitoring and compiled an overview of the most frequently used environmental substrates. Based on the reviewed literature, we provide a key description of each substrate, as well as its particular properties and limitations related to the detection of animal species across different spatial and temporal scales. We categorise these substrates into three groups: abiotic substrates (soil, water, air, sediment), biotic substrates (invertebrate

SUBMITTER: Zhao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12831013 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature