Jindivick Landcare has been an active partner with enviroDNA & Neerim District Landcare Group to co-deliver a grant to monitor farm dams for biodiversity through eDNA sampling. This project was a huge success and raised the profile of our group in the community.

During two citizen science days in November 2018 and April 2019, more than 110 eDNA water samples were collected across 18 farm dams. With the efforts of 30 locals and landholders the project has provided exciting insight into wildlife relying on farm dams.

All up, 60 different species were identified, including 41 native wildlife, 13 invasive wildlife, and of course livestock and domestic animals. Some of the most commonly detected native wildlife included: Australian wood duck, striped marsh frog and the short finned eel. Most excitingly, the blue billed duck, an endangered species, was detected at two farm dams across both surveys.

If you would like a copy of the farm dam biodiversity project report, further resources and guidance on improving your farm dam to support biodiversity, or something else, please reach out to our group.