Great crested newts are a European protected species. The animals, its eggs and their breeding sites and resting places are protected by law.
We are happy to announce that we are able to offer eDNA(environmental DNA) testing as a surveying method for ascertaining presence absence of great crested newts (GCNs). After Natural England's announcement last year that eDNA is a valid method of confirming GCNs we soon after added this survey technique to our skill set.
Extends the GCN presence/absence survey season to 30th June
What is eDNA
eDNA is mitochondrial DNA, which is shed from organisms into their environment, for example via faeces, mucus, hair, gametes, skin and carcases. eDNA can be detected in collected water samples following strict protocols, taken from water bodies during a single site visit and sent to the lab where quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to identify whether the species is present or absent.
This method can be used from 15th April to 30th June each year.
If the eDNA test results are positive they cannot be used for population assessment and consequently the traditional presence/absence and population surveys are likely to be required in many instances.
However if absence is concluded this method will save time and money for our customers.
We are happy to announce that we are able to offer eDNA(environmental DNA) testing as a surveying method for ascertaining presence absence of great crested newts (GCNs). After Natural England's announcement last year that eDNA is a valid method of confirming GCNs we soon after added this survey technique to our skill set.
Extends the GCN presence/absence survey season to 30th June
What is eDNA
eDNA is mitochondrial DNA, which is shed from organisms into their environment, for example via faeces, mucus, hair, gametes, skin and carcases. eDNA can be detected in collected water samples following strict protocols, taken from water bodies during a single site visit and sent to the lab where quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to identify whether the species is present or absent.
This method can be used from 15th April to 30th June each year.
If the eDNA test results are positive they cannot be used for population assessment and consequently the traditional presence/absence and population surveys are likely to be required in many instances.
However if absence is concluded this method will save time and money for our customers.