Airborne DNA tech is catching koalas by their breath.

Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have developed a cutting-edge tool that may transform how conservationists monitor Australia’s most endangered species. 

Led by Associate Professor Celine Frere from UQ’s School of the Environment, the team has created a method to capture airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) - DNA that organisms naturally shed into their surroundings - to detect the presence of wildlife, including koalas, in their natural habitats.

Dr Frere say traditional methods of tracking wildlife, such as thermal drones, detection dogs, and camera traps, are vital but come with significant financial and labour costs. 

“Our easy-to-deploy airborne eDNA collection tools can detect the presence of multiple wildlife species, specifically koalas, wallabies, possums, foxes, domestic dogs, and rabbits at a fraction of the cost,” she said.

Recent research was carried out across four locations in the Redlands local government area, a region known for its koala populations. 

Dr Frere’s team designed air filtering systems using sterilised cheesecloth, which were placed in various locations. 

“The cheesecloth allows for air to flow through with little force and can collect and retain particles easily,” Dr Frere said. 

The air samples collected were then analysed using advanced genetic techniques to identify the wildlife species present.

This novel approach provides a non-invasive, scalable solution for gathering essential data on wildlife presence and biodiversity. 

“This technology can significantly improve the detection and tracking of endangered species, aiding in conservation efforts and the development of effective management strategies,” Dr Frere said. 

While eDNA has been used successfully in aquatic environments for many years, its application on land is still in its early stages.

The researchers continue to refine the cost-effectiveness of their air-sampling method, comparing it with conventional wildlife survey techniques. 

“By comparing our study with conventional survey methods, we can understand what the trade-offs are to design the most powerful, efficient, and cost-effective solution possible,” Dr Frere noted. 

The team is also working to develop similar toolkits for monitoring other threatened Australian species, such as gliders.

The findings from the research have been published in The Journal of Applied Ecology.