Great Crested Newt Environmental DNA (EDNA) Survey

Using eDNA sampling has many advantages for projects, including fast turnaround times and potentially eliminating the need for further surveys – both factors which have beneficial cost implications for projects.

Advantages of eDNA Sampling

eDNA sampling has a number of advantages over more traditional methods of surveying for great crested newts, allowing samples to be collected up until 30^th June. The protocol requires only one daytime visit by a licensed ecologist during the newt breeding season to determine presence or absence. This means that eDNA sampling has the potential to reduce the level of survey effort needed in comparison to conventional methods, which require a minimum of four survey visits, each including evening and morning survey, between April and June.

There are a number of scenarios where this technique can benefit projects, including:

• As a cost effective way of scoping future survey requirements (i.e. population size class assessment surveys) for projects where there is sufficient time available to carry out the detailed conventional survey the following year.
• To confirm absence in ponds that are considered to have low potential to support great crested newts but where further confirmation is required.
• For ponds with high potential to support great crested newts, and where a key part of the conventional survey period (mid-April to mid-May) has been missed, but where there is still time available to collect eDNA samples (before 30^th June). In this situation, an eDNA finding of “absence” would avoid the need for further conventional presence/absence survey.

Great Crested Newts (like this one pictured) are European Protected Species.

eDNA Sampling

Great crested newt DNA is released into aquatic environments through shed skin cells, urine, faeces and saliva. The trace DNA can persist in water for several weeks and collected using the detailed sampling and analysis protocol that has been devised (samples should be collected between 15^th April and 30^th June). Samples are then sent to a recognised laboratory for analysis. The highly sensitive laboratory testing is based on qPCR, allowing detection of great crested newt presence or absence.

Laboratory testing is conducted by our partner NatureMetrics, a highly experienced company who have conducted GCN eDNA analysis since 2015. NatureMetrics follow Natural England’s approved protocol (WC1067), which ensures that the test meets regulatory requirements. As industry leaders, NatureMetrics provide a quality service, and scored 100% in the 2018 proficiency test.

Testing turnaround times can be suited to the project’s needs. Options include Standard Turnaround (10 working days from receipt of sample in the lab) and Fast Turnaround service (5 working days from receipt). Super-fast turnaround (2 days) is also usually available on request.

Baker Consultants has extensive experience in great crested survey and mitigation, including major infrastructure project work involving thousands of newts and complex EPS licensing. We have numerous licensed great newt surveyors and we have undertaken eDNA survey work since in 2015.