NatureMetrics Case Studies
We have provided biodiversity solutions from the North Pole to the equator and beyond.
We are dedicated to every project we embark on, from custom-designed to off-the-shelf services. We always strive for the complete satisfaction of our clients and have a wide variety of client and collaborative case studies that showcase our industry-leading expertise. With our high capacity, expertise and experience in DNA-based monitoring, the NatureMetrics team are empowered to meet and exceed expectations.
eDNA in the River Thames
Fish communities obtained from monthly eDNA samples on the River Thames were compared with Environment Agency electrofishing records in the nearby area. eDNA detected more species per unit effort and provided consistent data on a number of important species that are routinely under-sampled in electrofishing.
eDNA in the Peruvian Amazon
Conservación Amazónica (ACCA), a Peruvian non-profit organisation used NatureMetrics aquatic eDNA service to conduct a vertebrate survey at the Los Amigos Research Station in the Peruvian Amazon. This study highlights the power of eDNA to generate powerful data for conservation managers in remote megadiverse regions.
Aquatic eDNA macroinvertebrate monitoring of chalk streams
River Action Project Chairman Charles Watson conducted eDNA surveys of aquatic macroinvertebrates in three Hampshire chalk streams as part of the Upper Itchen Initiative. Despite having no previous ecological training, Charles was able to collect the eDNA samples and send them to the NatureMetrics laboratories for analysis quickly and safely. The project delivered data across 3 different sites and highlighted significant differences in macroinvertebrate diversity at sites with different suspected levels of pollution.
RSPB Common Scoter & Trout project
RSBP Scotland collaborated with NatureMetrics to conduct a pilot eDNA study in five lochs. They aimed to better understand the ecology of Scottish lochs and their suitability as habitat for the Common Scoter, a rare duck species. Data highlighted ecological differences that influence the suitability of the lochs as habitat for the Common Scoter.
Lebanon Reforestation Initiative
The Lebanon Reforestation Initiative worked with NatureMetrics to survey freshwater systems in Lebanon, with the aim of building knowledge in a previously understudied region. Having benefitted greatly from the project, they are now keen to scale their eDNA work across Lebanon for the benefit of biodiversity data in the region.
MozamSeq Case Study
The MozamSeq project aims to facilitate the large-scale application of eDNA monitoring in Mozambique to support conservation, fisheries monitoring, and ecological impact assessment. Our findings highlighted the importance of investing in the creation of DNA reference libraries to support the accurate naming of species detected by eDNA.
Conservation eDNA Monitoring with WWF Peru
Using NatureMetrics’ aquatic eDNA services, WWF Peru assessed vertebrate biodiversity across a vast tropical landscape. Using eDNA surveys, WWF were able to survey all target species at once, and a range of additional species, reducing costs while increasing the amount of data obtained.
Invertebrate Surveys at Winwick Wind Farm
Wild Frontier Ecology (WFE) wanted to conduct invertebrate surveys at a new wind farm in Northamptonshire to inform the Habitat Improvement Plan for the site. NatureMetrics conducted DNA metabarcoding analyses to identify the diverse species present in samples collected by WFE.
