Environmental DNA, a new tool for tracking rare species

Here is an interesting article on the use of environmental DNA (i.e., the DNA that animals leave behind them in their habitat) to track the presence of rare species. It might also be useful for tracking invasive species like pythons in Florida's wetlands.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/27/s...on&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

 

In the Netherlands and Belgium this method is already used to control pond and other waterbodies on the presents of American Bullfrogs.