eDNA Biodiversity Detection

AUS-TGP-AGR-DNA General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 15 to 25 count

Optimal Range: 15 to 25

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: OptimalRange

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The reference value is a derived range representing the 75th to 95th percentile of native vertebrate species richness detected via eDNA metabarcoding from water samples at sites within the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains biome, as part of the Great Australian Wildlife Search program.

Metric Definition:

Native vertebrate species richness detected via eDNA metabarcoding from water samples.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the optimal range of native vertebrate species richness detected via eDNA metabarcoding in water samples from agricultural landscapes within the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains biome in Australia.

Justification:

This benchmark is derived from the 75th to 95th percentile of native vertebrate species richness observed in the Great Australian Wildlife Search dataset, representing the best available proxy for high ecological health in agricultural landscapes within the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains biome.

Sources (1)

Preview of Joint media release: eDNA results reveal rich biodiversity in the ..., accessed August 10, 2025

Joint media release: eDNA results reveal rich biodiversity in the ..., accessed August 10, 2025 Government

Environment Monitoring Systems & Data for Ecosystem Studies ..., accessed July 24, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in agricultural systems: Current uses, limitations and future prospects - PubMed, accessed July 23, 2025,

Applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in agricultural systems: Current uses, limitations and future prospects - PubMed, accessed July 23, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in agricultural systems: Current uses, limitations and future prospects - PubMed

View Source

eDNA results from the Great Australian Wildlife Search | Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 10, 2025

Direct Evidence Government

eDNA results from the Great Australian Wildlife Search | Murray–Darling Basin Authority

View Source

EnviroDNA: eDNA Biodiversity Monitoring Solutions, accessed August 12, 2025

Methodology Source GreyLiterature

Guidance on the use of ecosystem receptor indicators for the assessment of water and sediment quality, accessed July 24, 2025

View Source

Preview of Processes underpinning natural capital account compilation highlight the potential for low-input grazing to mitigate farm carbon emissions while also improving biodiversity outcomes - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal, accessed August 12, 2025,

Processes underpinning natural capital account compilation highlight the potential for low-input grazing to mitigate farm carbon emissions while also improving biodiversity outcomes - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal, accessed August 12, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Vegetation change in an urban grassy woodland 1974–2000 - CSIRO Publishing

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 23 Mar 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold exists for native species richness; higher richness is consistently beneficial. The benchmark is derived from the 75th to 95th percentile of observed data, representing a proxy for high ecological health.