Detecting caribou by sampling air

Project overview

Current monitoring approaches for large mammals such as caribou, moose, and bears for environmental assessments and permitting processes are often constrained by difficult access to remote areas, variable weather conditions, and limited daylight for aerial surveys or ground-based observations. These challenges highlight the need for a scalable, portable, and reliable method for detecting wildlife presence that can operate independently of season, daylight, or extensive field logistics.

Solution

We are developing air sampling technologies that enable genomics-based wildlife detection. This work involves designing and optimizing a field-ready sampling device for use in natural environments, as well as refining sampling protocols to identify the most effective operating conditions. In collaboration with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, air sampling occurs at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and is then processed using molecular techniques at the White Otter Biotech laboratory. This project and its early results were recently highlighted on CTV Winnipeg News.

Impact

Airborne genomic monitoring can strength conservation programs and open new possibilities for year-round mointoring in remote or sensitive areas. Genomics-based detection enables simultaneous identification of multiple species, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional survey methods. By adapting the approach to a wide variety of species ranging from large mammals and birds to ecological indicator species, it provides significant advantages over conventional monitoring techniques. This technology has potential applications across environmental assessment, conservation planning, and wildlife monitoring in industries such as mining, forestry, energy development, and protected area management.