Developing an eDNA approach for wetland biomonitoring: Insights on technical and conventional approaches

This study examined eDNA dynamics to understand spatiotemporal biodiversity patterns in an Aotearoa New Zealand wetland, and to optimise their application for to wetland-specific challenges. We sampled four sites across Opuatia Wetland (North Island, Aotearoa New Zealand) at three time points during an austral spring. We conducted conventional taxonomic surveys, tested three different filter sizes, and assessed our ability to detect foreign DNA at different time points and distances post-release.