Out of sight, out of mind. Too often, the extinction crisis facing life in rivers, lakes and wetlands is ignored or misunderstood. The good news is that a new WWF-backed initiative plans to do something about this using cutting-edge DNA technology – helping to fill knowledge gaps so conservation work can be better targeted. Led by NatureMetrics and IUCN, the eBioAtlas project will see 30,000 water samples taken in dozens of areas ranging from the Ganges to the Niger Delta over the next three years. DNA traces left in the water will be analyzed to identify the variety of species living in and around the waters, giving us a clearer picture of what’s happening above and below the surface. Freshwater environments are vitally important to people as well as wildlife, from the water we drink to the fish that feeds millions. So this initiative will benefit every one of us!
© Robin Darius / Felis
