Performing eDNA analysis on snow tracks provides new opportunities for studying individual animals, their migration patterns and relationships. Right now, preparations are underway for winter field work in Sweden where lynx tracks will be sampled when the snow has fallen.
The lynx project is a pilot study funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency where AquaBiota, the County Administrative Board, the Swedish Hunters Association and Nordic Ark will collaborate. The experience gained from last year’s study on snow tracks will be utilised to further develop the analysis methodology. The ultimate goal is to be able to identify individuals using eDNA analysis using snow tracks. Hopefully, we aim to continue working with otter tracks and their dietary requirements. Using eDNA analyses we previously detected that otters in Västernorrland have eaten trout, toad and frogs during the winter.
Read more about eDNA and the possibilities using this method.
Read more about the collaboration on the County Administrative Board’s website.
Lodjursspår nära Bengtsfors, december 2018. Photo: Nicklas Wijkmark
Lynx tracks near Bengtsfors, December 2018. Photo: Nicklas Wijkmark