About Corymbia Eco Sciences

Environmental Research
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Habitat Types

About Corymbia Eco Sciences

Corymbia Eco Sciences Pty Ltd specialises in advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring for biodiversity conservation and biosecurity. We unlock nature's secrets using cutting-edge metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing technology to provide comprehensive ecological intelligence.

Our Oxford Nanopore Next-Generation Sequencing platform enables high-throughput, real-time analysis in both field and laboratory settings. We provide the data our partners need to optimise conservation resource allocation and identify critical areas for intervention.

We work across Australia with councils, land managers, wildlife rehabilitation centres, research institutions, and private enterprises – delivering actionable insights that protect native biodiversity and establish early warning systems for emerging biosecurity threats.

All sampling and analysis protocols are aligned with international best practices for eDNA research, and our data management follows FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to ensure maximum utility and reproducibility.

What is Environmental DNA?

A revolutionary approach to understanding the natural world – without ever needing to see or capture an organism.

Environmental DNA – or eDNA – is genetic material that organisms naturally shed into their surroundings. Every living thing leaves behind traces of DNA: through skin cells, hair, saliva, urine, faeces, mucus, pollen, spores, and decomposing tissue. This DNA accumulates in soil, water, sediment, and air, creating a biological fingerprint of every species present in an environment.

By collecting a simple water or soil sample, scientists can extract and analyse this eDNA to determine which species are – or have recently been – present in that location. This is done without ever needing to directly observe, capture, or disturb wildlife.

eDNA detection is extraordinarily sensitive. It can identify species that are rare, elusive, nocturnal, cryptic, or otherwise difficult to detect using traditional survey methods such as trapping, spotlighting, or visual counts. A single litre of creek water can reveal the presence of dozens of fish, amphibian, and invertebrate species.

Laboratory research

How eDNA Monitoring Works

From sample collection to actionable insights – our end-to-end eDNA analysis pipeline.

Step 1

Sample Collection

Environmental samples – water, soil, scat, or tissue – are collected in the field using standardised protocols that minimise contamination. Each sample is GPS-logged and placed in a strict cold-chain for transport to the laboratory.

Step 2

DNA Extraction & Sequencing

DNA is extracted using validated kits and protocols. Using metabarcoding, we amplify specific gene regions (12S, 16S, COI, ITS) and sequence them on our Oxford Nanopore platform for rapid, high-throughput species identification.

Step 3

Bioinformatics Analysis

Raw sequence data is processed through our QIIME2 bioinformatics pipeline and custom R scripts. Species are identified by matching sequences against curated reference databases, with confidence assessments assigned to every detection.

Step 4

Spatial Mapping & Reporting

Results are mapped using ArcGIS to reveal species distributions, predation hotspots, pathogen corridors, and areas of highest conservation priority. Final reports include clear, actionable management recommendations.

Applications of eDNA

Environmental DNA monitoring is transforming conservation, biosecurity, and land management across Australia.

Predator-Prey Relationships

By analysing feral predator scat and stomach contents, eDNA reveals exactly which native species are being consumed – including threatened species that may not have been known to be at risk in a given area.

Pathogen Surveillance

eDNA can detect bacterial, fungal, and oomycete pathogens in soil and water samples, mapping disease corridors and identifying biosecurity risks before outbreaks occur – protecting native wildlife, agriculture, and public health.

Aquatic Biodiversity

A single water sample can reveal the presence of threatened fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates – making eDNA the most efficient, non-invasive method for monitoring freshwater ecosystems and waterways.

Feral Animal Management

eDNA monitoring maps feral animal movement corridors and activity hotspots, enabling land managers to target control efforts where they will have the greatest impact on protecting native species and habitats.

Soil Microbiome Analysis

eDNA analysis of soil samples reveals the health and composition of microbial communities, identifying beneficial organisms, harmful pathogens, and environmental changes that traditional soil testing cannot detect.

Regulatory Compliance

eDNA surveys provide scientifically defensible, evidence-based species detection data that meets evidentiary standards for environmental impact assessments, planning permits, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Corymbia eDNA Brochure

Download Our Brochure

Want to know more about Environmental DNA and how it can help improve your land and protect your environment? Read our eDNA brochure to learn more about how we use eDNA and Next-Gen sequencing to create cutting edge biosecurity and ecological outcomes.

DOWNLOAD THE eDNA BROCHURE

Our Mission

We combine scientific rigour with practical conservation outcomes to protect Australia's native ecosystems.

Scientific Excellence

Rigorous quality assurance across field sampling, laboratory analysis, and bioinformatics processing. Validated assays with established detection limits and confirmed specificity for target species. Our team publishes in peer-reviewed journals and continuously refines protocols based on the latest advances in molecular ecology, ensuring every dataset we produce meets the highest standards of scientific integrity and reproducibility.

Biosecurity First

Early warning systems for emerging wildlife disease and biosecurity threats. Comprehensive monitoring of pathogen distribution to inform feral animal management and protect native wildlife. We deploy targeted metabarcoding assays to detect bacterial, fungal, and oomycete pathogens in environmental samples, enabling early intervention before outbreaks threaten native species, agricultural systems, or public health across regional and peri-urban landscapes.

Collaborative Approach

We partner with councils, Traditional Owners, wildlife rehabilitation centres, DEECA, and community groups to deliver comprehensive monitoring outcomes with meaningful stakeholder engagement. Our approach is built on open communication, shared data ownership, and capacity building – ensuring that the communities who manage and care for Country are empowered with the ecological intelligence they need to make informed conservation decisions.