Haldwani, Jan. 4 -- The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) authorities have decided to collect water samples from the Ramganga and Kosi rivers to create a comprehensive database of aquatic life and associated wildlife using environmental DNA (e-DNA) technology, officials said. The decision was taken to strengthen wildlife conservation, they added. The initiative, scheduled for February 2026, will be undertaken in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and aims to generate precise data on endangered aquatic species while assessing the overall ecological health of the river systems. CTR director Saket Badola said the e-DNA study would help gather reliable information not only on aquatic species but also on terrestrial animals dependent on river ecosystems. "To obtain accurate data on aquatic life and wildlife in the surrounding ecosystem, water samples will be collected from the Ramganga and Kosi rivers in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. These samples will be analysed using the e-DNA method, which will provide valuable insights into both aquatic and river-dependent wildlife," Badola said. Explaining the technology, Badola said environmental DNA involves analysing microscopic biological material such as skin cells, urine, faeces and other organic matter shed by animals into water bodies. "By extracting DNA from these samples, scientists can identify species present in the area even if they are not directly sighted," he said. The technique will also help assess pollution levels and river health, officials said. According to Badola, scientists will analyse the samples to understand endangered species distribution, pollution trends and the overall condition of the river ecosystem. The study is expected to play a crucial role in monitoring endangered aquatic species such as gharials and mahseer, along with otters and crocodiles. "Mahseer, gharials, otters and crocodiles are still found in the Ramganga and Kosi rivers, but their numbers are declining in certain stretches. Pollution caused by waste discharge from resorts is increasing, reducing oxygen levels in the water and affecting aquatic life," Badola said. Forest officials said the e-DNA data would help authorities track pollution trends in both rivers and implement corrective conservation measures....