eDNA Biodiversity Detection

AUS-TSW-FOR-DNA General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 15 to 25 presence/absence
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 OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

Based on the analysis of the most ecologically healthy sites within the Great Australian Wildlife Search (GAWS) dataset that align with the target biome and land use, a proxy benchmark for eDNA biodiversity detection can be established.

Metric Definition:

Number of vertebrate species detected by water-based eDNA metabarcoding in temperate semi-arid woodlands within production forestry.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the typical range of vertebrate species detected by eDNA in temperate semi-arid woodlands under production forestry, indicating a healthy and functioning aquatic ecosystem.

Justification:

This benchmark is a proxy derived from the best-on-offer sites within the large-scale Great Australian Wildlife Search (GAWS) eDNA dataset, focusing on waterways in temperate semi-arid woodlands within or adjacent to production forests in the Murray-Darling Basin. Confidence is 'Moderate' as it is a proxy, but is based on a robust, large-scale, methodologically sound study directly measuring the indicator in the relevant biome.

Sources (1)

Preview of Results — Great Australian Wildlife Search
Results — Great Australian Wildlife Search GreyLiterature

Great Australian Wildlife Search - Biodiversity Findings Report Spring 2023

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Vegetation Woodland
  • Season Spring
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 8 Jun 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: A state of very low species richness (<10 species) and/or dominance by invasive species (e.g., Common Carp). No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. Optimal range characterized by high native-to-invasive species ratio and presence of sensitive or threatened species (e.g., Murray Cod).