This study evaluates environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling methodologies for monitoring the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) within Natural England’s District Level Licensing (DLL) scheme areas. Building on previous research, the project compares ethanol precipitation and filtration-based eDNA collection methods, and assesses the utility of DNA metabarcoding alongside species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). Ninety ponds across three DLL scheme areas in England were sampled using both m...
