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Basically, it is the ability to collect DNA without getting it directly from the organism (USGS,2018). This DNA process allows you to acquire genetic material from the environment (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015)

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There are minute traces of DNA through excreted waste or sloughed off skin cells that are left behind in water and on land (USGS,2018).

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It's roots are based in the study of soil microbiology (Strickler, 2015).

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The population of prairie dog colonies is only at 2% of their historical population (CPW, 2017).

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The prairie dog is listed as a "pest" and can be removed if on private land, despite the fact that they are a keystone species with over 100 other species dependent on their existence (CPW, 2017).

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Possibly more conservation efforts could be put into place if eDNA could show the amount of other species that utilize the colony. This scientific data could bring awareness to the general public about the need for these colonies.

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If eDNA could show activity of more endangered species that live near the colony (black-footed ferret), this my enable for certain areas to be federally protected (Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge).

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Provides observation techniques to areas that are not as easily accessible or the species might be nocturnal or illusive (USGS, 2018).

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Has the potential to show if a species is no longer using a specific ecosystem, migration patterns, or expanding an existing habitat (USGS, 2018).

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The eDNA approach, in the near future, will be able to survey entire biodiversity patterns, not just a single species (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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In modern ecosystems, eDNA has a short degradation time (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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Can reveal DNA from extinct and extant animals and plants (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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The risk of contamination and getting a false positive result (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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Living or dead organisms? Juvenile or adult stage? (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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In a more diverse ecosystem, targeting one specific organism is costly (Thomsen, Willerslev, 2015).

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2015. Retrieved from internet: http://www.cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-Black-tailedPrairieDog.aspx

Strickler, K., 2015. Environmental DNA helps scientists find rare aquatic species. Biological Conservation. February 2.

Thomsen, P.F., Willerslev, E. 2015. Environmental DNA- An emerging tool in conservation for monitoring past and present biodiversity. Biological Conservation. Retrieved form internet: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2014.11.019

United States Geological Survey, 2018. Retrieved from internet: https://www2.usgs.gov/ecosystems/genetics_genomics/edna.html