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.
Okala unlocks green investment using eDNA
Okala unlocks green-investment by edna sampling tropical rainforests at scale. eDNA provided traceable, verifiable, and trustworthy data that investors liked. Okala was able to support natural capital valuation and will use the data to unlock green investment using eDNA.
Bigger, better data sets with lower risks to field teams
Using eDNA to investigate fish biodiversity is beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness as well as in ethical and conservation matters, unlocking bigger fish datasets.
Uncovering the recovering biodiversity along the Sussex coast
eDNA outperforms traditional visual surveys in underwater marine forests along the Sussex coastline.
Measuring reforestation success
NatureMetrics' eDNA services have been an essential tool for us at Land Life in measuring progress towards our ambitious reforestation goals, providing a high-quality, standardized, robust, and practical approach for tracking soil biodiversity and refining our restoration strategies.
FFI detects pygmy hippo and 165 other species in Southeast Liberia as part of world-leading eDNA project
Our aquatic eDNA survey enabled Fauna & Flora International and Liberia’s Forest Development Authority to detect the endangered and elusive pygmy hippo, contributing to eBioAtlas, a global freshwater eDNA programme in partnership with IUCN. From just 20 samples of water, they found what they were looking for alongside 166 other species, including six that were endangered - saving years of research when compared with traditional sampling techniques.
Freshwater Habitats Trust
Freshwater Habitats Trust is a UK charity with a mission to protect freshwater life for everyone to enjoy. As an evidence-based conservation charity, FHT promotes a strong science grounding in all their work. FHT approached us to help them carry out aquatic eDNA surveys around the River Ock catchment in Oxfordshire to collect baseline data on fish populations.
UK crayfish surveys with aquatic eDNA
Norfolk Rivers Trust used eDNA to track the UK endemic white-clawed crayfish (WCC), and the invasive signal crayfish in UK rivers. This project gave a valuable insight into crayfish distributions with directly applicable management outcomes.
Soil eDNA helps Jacobs survey biodiversity for road project
Jacobs was contracted by Transport Scotland to undertake an impact assessment for a major road widening project. This had determined that compensatory woodland planting was required, and soil translocation had been proposed as a measure to improve the success of the new habitat creation.
Soil eDNA data forms part of world-leading research for Highlands Rewilding
We worked with Ecosulis as part of CreditNATURE, a three-month feasibility study funded through Innovate UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund to assist Highlands Rewilding - a new company founded by eco-entrepreneur Jeremy Leggett - to map soil fauna and fungi across the 511-hectare Bunloit estate on the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland.
eDNA in the Peruvian Amazon
When WWF Peru approached us to help survey six aquatic species including Amazon manatees, pink river dolphins and migratory catfish along the Marañon river in the Northern Peruvian Amazon as part of their Healthy Rivers programme, we knew that our aquatic eDNA service would prove an invaluable resource.
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.
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.
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.
