Revolutionizing Wildlife Monitoring: The Power of Environmental DNA in Boreal Forests

Canadian researchers and Indigenous communities are pioneering a new era in biodiversity conservation through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. This innovative technique detects traces of genetic material left by animals in their surroundings, offering a non-invasive way to track elusive wildlife without disturbing habitats. A landmark study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology showcases how surface snow sampling outperforms other methods for monitoring key species like moose, woodland caribou, and white-tailed deer in Quebec's boreal forests.

The research, led by scientists from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in collaboration with the Abitibiwinni First Nation, highlights the integration of Western science with Indigenous knowledge. This partnership addresses pressing conservation challenges, including the decline of caribou populations, which have dropped dramatically across Canada due to habitat loss and climate change.

Understanding Environmental DNA: From Concept to Field Application

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment through skin cells, feces, saliva, or hair. Unlike traditional camera traps or aerial surveys, which can be expensive and disruptive, eDNA provides a snapshot of biodiversity from simple environmental samples like water, soil, dust, or snow. The process involves collecting samples, filtering or preserving them, extracting DNA in a lab, amplifying target sequences using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and analyzing results to confirm species presence.

In Canada's vast boreal ecosystems, where winters dominate, snow acts as a natural archive of animal movement. Animals trample snow, leaving DNA that persists longer in cold conditions than in warmer substrates. This makes boreal regions ideal for testing terrestrial eDNA, yet challenges like DNA degradation from UV exposure or dilution in water require tailored protocols.

The iTrackDNA Project: A Pan-Canadian Initiative

Launched in 2021, the iTrackDNA project unites universities like INRS and the University of Victoria with Genome Canada, First Nations, and NGOs to standardize eDNA methods nationwide. Led by INRS Professor Valérie Langlois and UVic's Caren Helbing, it aims to create reliable tools for monitoring species-at-risk, invasives, and culturally significant animals amid climate change and resource development.

Funding from Genome Canada supports lab standardization, predictive models, and accessible kits, positioning Canada as a global leader. Eleven Quebec universities collaborate, emphasizing higher education's role in bridging genomics and environmental policy.

Partnership with Abitibiwinni First Nation: Community-Driven Science

The Abitibiwinni First Nation, located in Pikogan, Quebec, joined iTrackDNA to monitor moose, caribou, deer, and wolverine—species vital for food, culture, and ecology on their ancestral lands (Abitibiwinni Aki). Territorial guardians and biologists co-designed protocols using affordable materials like Nalgene bottles and Whatman filters, suitable for remote areas.

Testing occurred at the Pageau Wildlife Refuge, a controlled site with known animals. This Indigenous-led approach ensures methods respect local priorities, such as detecting deer encroaching due to chronic wasting disease risks.

Photo by Claude Laprise on Unsplash

Step-by-Step Methods: Testing Four eDNA Approaches

The study compared four substrates:

• Surface snow sampling: Collect 500 mL from trampled areas near enclosures.
• Dust and invertebrates: Vacuum forest floor debris.
• Local water: Filter water near animal areas.
• Downstream water: Sample from flowing creeks.

Samples were processed at INRS labs using qPCR assays optimized for target species. Controls ensured no contamination. Snow proved superior in winter, while dust worked in summer.

Groundbreaking Results: Snow eDNA Delivers Near-Perfect Detection

Surface snow detected moose, caribou, and deer at 100% rates, wolverine at high levels. Dust/inverts hit 92-100% for most, but water lagged (33-75%). No false positives in controls. These findings validate snow eDNA for boreal monitoring, outperforming invasives in accessibility. Full details are available in the open-access paper.

Addressing Caribou Decline: eDNA's Conservation Impact

Boreal caribou populations have plummeted, with some herds down 99% since the 1990s due to habitat fragmentation and predators. In Quebec, eDNA helps map ranges non-invasively, informing recovery plans under Canada's Species at Risk Act. Similar tools aid Parks Canada monitoring.

Read more on caribou challenges via Government of Canada resources.

Canadian Universities Leading eDNA Innovation

INRS, UVic, University of Guelph, and others drive eDNA research, training grad students in genomics and ecology. Projects like PrairieDNA and eDNA Explorer Canada expand applications to invasives and fisheries. This fosters interdisciplinary higher ed, with jobs in research labs and policy.

Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash

Building Capacity: Training Indigenous Guardians in Genomics

A co-developed course trained 12 communities in eDNA from sampling to interpretation, blending Indigenous observations with lab skills. This empowers self-directed monitoring, aligning with UNDRIP principles in Canadian research. Details at iTrackDNA site.

Future Outlook: Scaling eDNA Across Canada

Standardized protocols promise nationwide adoption, aiding climate adaptation and policy. Challenges include assay validation and seasonal limits, but higher ed investments position Canada ahead. Explore opportunities via research positions.