From Invisible to Visible: What eDNA Is Already Revealing on-farm in Western Australia

This article was written by RegenWA for Landcare Australia. See the original article here.

One of the strengths of the Landcare Agriculture Biodiversity in Action program is its ability to bring emerging science onto farms and translate it into practical, producer-relevant decision-making. That’s exactly what’s happening through this Western Australian project led by RegenWA, which is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to better understand on-farm biodiversity and guide targeted management actions across working agricultural landscapes.

The project is being delivered across three farms in the Bindoon region of Western Australia, north-east of Perth, an area where broadacre grazing and mixed farming systems intersect with significant remnant vegetation, waterways and biodiversity values.

Early progress: sampling complete and data in hand

The project is now well underway, with three grower entities actively participating across four on-farm eDNA sampling points. All planned sampling, including water, air and soil surface samples was completed prior to Christmas.

At the end of January 2026, the project team received the full eDNA results dataset and has since completed an initial scan of the data. The first objective was simple but powerful: what species are actually present in these production landscapes – including those not easily detected through traditional monitoring methods?  The early results have already demonstrated the value of this approach.

Vulnerable species detected without disturbance

Initial analysis of the eDNA data has identified the presence of two vulnerable  aquatic species across the project sites:

• Oblong turtle (Chelodina colliei)
  Detected at multiple locations, including the Yued Moore River near Brand Highway and at Humphrey’s Creek on one of the participating farms. The oblong turtle is listed as near endangered, and its detection highlights the ecological importance of farm waterways within productive landscapes.
• Western pygmy perch (Nannoperca vittata)
  Identified in water samples at all three sampling sites. This species is listed as threatened – vulnerable, reinforcing the role that farm dams, creeks and riparian zones can play as important biodiversity refuges.

Importantly, these detections were made without traps, cameras or direct observation, demonstrating how eDNA can provide highly sensitive biodiversity insights with minimal disturbance to farming operations. It is important to get good advice on developing a sample plan, handling of samples, having a control and getting  professional support to interpret the results.

Turning data into decisions

To support robust interpretation of the results, the project has engaged Dr Adam Canning, Senior Research Officer from James Cook University, to assist with the next phase of analysis.

Over the coming weeks, the project team will work with Adam to:

• Further interpret the eDNA dataset
• Confirm priority species for management focus
• Translate scientific results into practical, farm-relevant insights

While several species of interest have been identified, the current preference is to focus on the oblong turtle as a case-study species. This will provide a tangible example to guide broader on-farm biodiversity management discussions.

From species detection to on-farm management

The next phase of the project is where science meets practice.

Using the focal species as a reference point, the project team will develop a draft grower management strategy document. Rather than being prescriptive, this document will explore:

• How on-farm ecological values can be identified and prioritised
• Practical management actions that support threatened species
• Ways biodiversity considerations can be integrated into everyday farm decision-making

This draft strategy will be refined directly with growers through a field-based workshop, ensuring it remains grounded in real production systems.

Grower-led learning and broader engagement

A grower workshop is planned for late March / early April, to be held on one of the participating farms in the Bindoon region. The workshop will:

• Explain how eDNA sampling works and why it matters
• Present the project’s actual eDNA results and what they mean
• Test the draft grower management strategy in a real-world setting
• Tips, tricks and limitations of eDNA sampling

Growers from outside the core project group will also be invited to attend, supporting broader peer-to-peer learning and strengthening the relevance of the outcomes beyond the immediate project sites.

Why this matters

This WA project is a strong example of Biodiversity in Action in practice using evidence-based tools to replace assumptions, improve confidence, and ensure biodiversity investment is targeted where it can deliver the greatest benefit.

By making the invisible visible, eDNA is giving producers in Western Australia a new lens on their landscapes  and practical information they can use to protect biodiversity while continuing to run productive, resilient farm businesses.