Joint media release: eDNA results reveal rich biodiversity in the Murray–Darling Basin

The results are now displayed on an interactive online map, enabling you to explore the unique wildlife residing in your own backyard.

Through the efforts of citizen scientists collecting an impressive 648 water samples at 324 sites, 144 species were detected. Among these, 17 threatened species were identified, including the endangered Silver Perch and the vulnerable Murray Cod.

The results also highlighted the presence of feral fish, such as trout, redfin, and carp providing much needed data to inform future conservation strategies to safeguard native fish populations and protect ecologically significant areas.

MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the eDNA results provide a detailed map of aquatic species distribution across the region that would support policy makers to better protect our most significant ecological communities.

“The findings demonstrate both areas of high biodiversity and unexpected findings, such as the presence of the endangered purple spotted gudgeon in previously unrecorded locations,” Mr McConville said.

"I want to thank the hundreds of citizen scientists who supported the spring sampling whose efforts are helping to inform how we can protect our rivers for generations and the many unique vertebrates that live in the Basin.

Odonata Chief Executive Sam Marwood said he was grateful to the MDBA for supporting the early development of the Great Australian Wildlife Search.

“This project represents a revolution in wildlife monitoring, with eDNA sampling allowing for rapid analysis of our waterways,” Mr Marwood said.

“Through regular eDNA sampling we can detect change in biodiversity over time, and inform community, business and government programs that support waterway and environmental health for generations to come.”

The Great Australian Wildlife Search (GAWS) is being delivered with support of the Basin Condition Monitoring Program – an Australian Government commitment to develop and deliver new monitoring and reporting of economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions in the Basin.

Recognising the potential of eDNA technology to revolutionise environmental monitoring, GAWS partnered with EnviroDNA to use cutting-edge eDNA technology to reveal fascinating insights into the region's biodiversity.

MDBA Grant funding provided via the Basin Condition Monitoring Program subsidised testing kits for the spring sampling season – removing economic barriers to community participation and driving success of the program.

To hear more about the Great Australian Wildlife Search and view the results in detail, community members are invited to register for a free webinar on Tuesday 25 June and hear from experts on the significance of these findings, and how citizen scientists are using the results to inspire community conservation efforts.

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The MDBA’s Support 

The Australian Government has funded the Basin Condition Monitoring Program to conduct 15 community-driven monitoring projects within the Murray–Darling Basin. The Great Australian Wildlife Search project is one of these. 

The diverse and innovative suite of projects will help build the Basin’s social, economic, environmental and cultural knowledge base to improve community outcomes. Basin communities have been directly involved in designing projects to ensure they are relevant and impactful for locals. 

The projects are being delivered by a range of partners and scientific bodies including universities, non-government organisations and community groups. The projects will be complete by 2025 and will help inform the Basin Plan Review. 

The Great Australian Wildlife Search project is funded by the Australian Government and is being delivered through the Murray–Darling Basin Authority ’s Basin Condition Monitoring Program (BCMP) by the Odonata Foundation.

The findings of the Great Australian Wildlife Search will also support other Murray–Darling Basin Authority monitoring activities, helping to evaluate fish populations and habitat, threatened and pest species. 

About the Great Australian Wildlife Search 

The Great Australian Wildlife Search is a citizen science project, delivered by Odonata Foundation, using EnviroDNA’s environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to map and conserve wildlife populations across Australia. 

By engaging citizen scientists in data collection and analysis, the project aims to empower individuals and communities to actively contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Through innovative approaches and collaborations, the Great Australian Wildlife Search seeks to protect and preserve Australia's rich biodiversity for future generations.

About Odonata Foundation 

Odonata Foundation is a leading environmental conservation organisation dedicated to saving species from extinction. With a focus on innovative research, community engagement, and sustainable solutions, Odonata works tirelessly to conserve biodiversity and create a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature.