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Vertebrate, Mammal, and Fish tests

The laboratory tests you choose determine the depth and detail of your biodiversity data. We offer different levels of taxonomic resolution, from broad assessments that capture entire animal groups to targeted tests that focus on specific families. These tests are applicable across various sample types, including water, soil, and sediment.

Broad resolution: The vertebrates test

The vertebrates test is a comprehensive tool designed to capture a wide range of life within a single analysis.

  • Wide coverage This test identifies fish, mammals, and amphibians, generally down to the specific species level.

  • Variable groups It can also detect birds, though the level of detail for this group can be more variable.

  • Strategic use This is the ideal starting point for a broad baseline survey where you need to understand the general composition of vertebrate life at a site.

High resolution: Targeted mammals and fish tests

While the vertebrates test is broad, the sheer volume of DNA from common species can sometimes mask the signatures of rarer animals. To overcome this, we offer more specialized tests.

  • Focused detection Targeted tests for mammals or fish use specific genetic markers that ignore other groups. This makes it much more likely that you will detect rare or elusive species that might be missed by a broader test.

  • Objective-driven data If your project goals are centered on a specific priority, such as monitoring a particular land mammal or a specific fish population, using the targeted test is the most reliable approach.

Optimizing your results

For the most comprehensive results, we often recommend running the broad vertebrates test alongside a more targeted test. This approach provides both a wide-angle view of the ecosystem and a high-definition look at the groups of most importance to your stakeholders.

Because your physical samples are preserved in our laboratory, you do not need to make every decision at once. If your project focus changes, you can always request additional targeted tests on your existing samples at a later date.