Hey everyone! Dr. Bill Boarman here, Hardshell’s Chief Scientist.
I want to share an update about the work that Hardshell Labs is doing to help The Biodiversity Group’s (TBG) and my research in Indonesia. TBG trying to rediscover a species of lizard called Zug’s monitor which hasn’t been seen in over 40 years. They’re using some really innovative technology to do it including drones, thermal cameras, and even smart trail cams, made in part by Hardshell to search for the lizards.
Plus, they’re using something called eDNA — genetic material that’s left behind by animals — to help find the lizards more easily. The eDNA will be collected from the air and tree branches with collectors designed by Hardshell and analyzed with a genetic barcode reader developed by ConservationX Labs. This is the first time that eDNA will be used in this way, so it’s a big deal!
We’re all excited to see what TBG discovers to protect the species and learn more about it. You can learn more and perhaps help their campaign here.
