DNA barcoding – ABOL – The Austrian Barcode of Life

Metabarcoding-Symposium 2026

Highlights, Meetings, Veranstaltungen, Workshops

Launch of an Austrian eDNA Community

The Metabarcoding Symposium, held on 17 and 18 September 2026 at the Natural History Museum Vienna, was not only a platform for professional exchange, but also marked the beginning of an Austrian eDNA community (provisionally: OeDNA). The symposium was organised by the ABOL coordination team together with Bettina Thalinger (WasserCluster Lunz) and Christoph Hahn (University of Graz).

In recent years, eDNA and metabarcoding have developed rapidly and are increasingly moving towards large-scale and practical applications. At the same time, the community in Austria remains relatively fragmented. With OeDNA, we therefore aim to bring researchers, practitioners, public authorities, and companies closer together, foster exchange, and advance topics of shared interest.

If you are interested in joining, you can sign up via the following link and stay informed:

https://forms.gle/zZMczhC1zuUqERRQA

Strong Interest in the Metabarcoding Symposium

Interest in the Metabarcoding Symposium was overwhelming: the event reached full capacity within a very short time.
On the first day, participants were presented with a diverse programme covering different aspects of eDNA and metabarcoding. Talks ranged from current scientific developments and the importance of reference data to examples from applied projects and questions surrounding standardisation.

Companies, as important partners throughout the entire process, were also given the opportunity to present their work and expertise. We hope this programme reflected the diverse interests and backgrounds of the participants.

Special thanks go to our two keynote speakers, Bernd Hänfling (UHI Inverness) and Henrik Krehenwinkel (University of Trier), for their inspiring and impressive presentations. They showcased the wide range of possibilities offered by eDNA and metabarcoding in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Another highlight of the first day was the extensive panel discussion. Representatives from science, public authorities, and applied practice discussed experiences, opportunities, and challenges associated with the use of eDNA and metabarcoding. The discussion raised numerous questions that will be further explored and addressed collectively within the emerging OeDNA community.
Standardisation is one of this key topics. In some areas, standards have already been established, for example within the framework of LTER. These are based on scientific studies and projects such as GeMonA+ and can serve as an example for implementing eDNA and metabarcoding methods in other fields of application. Companies such as Spcfy are also already offering solutions for standardised analysis pipelines.

On the second day of the event, participants had the opportunity to explore one approach to a bioinformatics pipeline for analysing metabarcoding data in a hands-on workshop. Fifty participants took part and worked through the individual steps of this complex process. In addition to the technical analysis, considerable attention was also given to the interpretation of the resulting data.

We are delighted with the success of the event and would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed. We look forward to seeing strong interest in OeDNA and to continuing the exchange within this emerging community.

Photos: M. Sonnleitner, B. Thalinger

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - talk by D. Rabl and A. Ceta, Environment Agency Austria

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - marketplace of companies: Sinsoma

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Get-together in the Dinosaur Hall, NHMW

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - workshop: lead: C. Hahn, Univ. Graz

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Keynote Bernd Hänfling, UHI

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - talk LTER, L. Reiss

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Welcome by K. Vohland, GD NHM

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - marketplace of companies: AIM and Spcfy

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - talk B. Thalinger, WCL

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Keynote H. Krehenwinkl, Univ. Trier

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Interpretation of Results, B. Thalinger

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Oragnisation team

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - Panel Discussion, Moderator: B. Thalinger

Metabarcoding Symposium NHMW 2026 - talk N. Szucsich, ABOL Coordination

24. September, 2026/by Michaela Sonnleitner

A decade of ABOL – new paper!

Highlights, Publications

Looking Back on a Decade of ABOL: Coordinating a National Biodiversity Initiative

How can a country’s biological diversity be systematically documented – and what does it take to turn a research initiative into a sustainable, long-term network?

Since 2014, the Austrian Barcode of Life (ABOL) Initiative has been dedicated to systematically documenting Austria’s animal, plant, and fungal diversity using DNA barcoding. Over the past decade, much more has developed than a repository of molecular genetic reference data: ABOL has evolved into a nationwide network connecting research, biological collections, protected areas, scientific societies, and citizen science.

In our new publication, Evolving ABOL (the Austrian Barcode of Life Initiative): Reflections on a Decade of Coordinating a National Biodiversity Initiative, we, the ABOL coordination team, take stock of the years 2014 to 2025.

The paper shows how ABOL has been established and further developed – from data infrastructures and reference data to new applications of DNA barcoding and participatory formats such as the ABOL BioBlitzes. At the same time, it highlights the importance of long-term collaboration across institutions and disciplines for comprehensive biodiversity documentation.

ABOL thus serves as an example of an integrative approach to biodiversity research: taxonomic expertise meets molecular methods, digital infrastructures, and public participation.

But the publication does not only look back. In view of the ongoing loss of biodiversity, it also asks what role ABOL can play in the future and in the long term in implementing national and international biodiversity targets.

Read the full article now and look back on ten years of ABOL:

Szucsich NU., Sonnleitner M, Ackerl F, Kargl V, Heinzl J, Hörweg C & Haring E (2026). Evolving ABOL (the Austrian Barcode of Life Initiative): Reflections on a Decade of Coordinating a National Biodiversity Initiative. Acta ZooBot Austria 162, 45–71.

24. September, 2026/by Michaela Sonnleitner

M. Sonnleitner

ABOL-BioBlitz at Hohe Tauern National park

ABOL BioBlitz, Highlights

Fortunately, the weather in the Hohe Tauern was kind to us this year, from July 18-20, 2025. At the National Park’s Day of Biodiversity, in the Gradental and Gartltal valleys in Carinthia, not only was the weather record-breaking, but so was the number of participating experts, with almost 100 registrations.

Many were already out in the field on Friday, searching for species. In the evening, nocturnal insects were attracted using light traps, photographed, identified, and recorded on Observation.org. Shortly after the light was set, over 160 species of moths from the study area were already registered on Observation.org!

While the majority of the researchers visited the Gradental valley on Saturday—a high valley that extends southwest from the Mölltal and is surrounded by 3,000-meter peaks—we, the ABOL delegation, explored the Gartltal valley to the south. The tall herbs along the forest clearings, with Heracleum, Filipendula, thistles, and other flowering perennials, were particularly interesting and productive in terms of insects. Further up, subalpine larch forest and grasslands rich in Nardus with characteristic silicate flora followed. The fens near Fleckmoos at about 2000 m were also very attractive and rich in flowers. In the late afternoon, we were picked up by the shuttle bus from the parking lot in Ranach. As usual, the transport was very well organized. We were back in the valley just in time before the thunderstorm.

On Sunday morning, the majority of the participants met in Döllach for the closing presentation. In addition to various contributions, the experts presented interesting species they had discovered – from the first record of a cave cricket in the area to the luminous moss, which is often found in semi-caves.

After the final group photo, most of the participants headed home.

From ABOL’s perspective, these opportunities are ideal for connecting with taxonomists—from long-time acquaintances to the many young participants. The one or other DNA barcode references from these biodiversity days will also contribute to filling the DNA database. We thank the organizers for their commitment and everyone who participates in the ABOL BioBlitz.

Impressions (Photos: M. Sonnleitner):

28. July, 2025/by Michaela Sonnleitner

M. Sonnleitner

ABOL at the Day of Biodiversity in Baden bei Wien

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Highlights

On June 13 and 14, 2025, the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald organized its 20th Day of Biodiversity– this year in the Lower Austrian part of the biosphere reserve around Baden bei Wien. Around 100 experts from various disciplines explored the diverse flora, fauna, and funga of the area from the Kurpark to the Lindkogel. In perfect weather conditions, numerous fascinating observations were made, and an impressive number of over 1,700 species were documented.
As in previous years, the primary goal was to record as many animal, plant, and fungal species as possible within 24 hours, thus collecting valuable data for nature conservation in the biosphere reserve. A diverse program for visitors was also offered: night hikes, guided excursions, and a “Festival of Biodiversity” on June 14 in the Kurpark, where interested guests could learn about nature and species conservation at numerous information booths.
ABOL was also there: On June 13, our team was out in the field collecting samples for DNA barcoding, and on June 14, we had an information booth available for questions. We had many interesting discussions about the role of DNA barcoding in biodiversity monitoring and nature conservation – and, last but not least, make new contacts and deepen existing collaborations.

A big thank you goes to the organizing team for the excellent preparation and execution of this successful event!

Impressions (photos by N. Szucsich, V. Kargl, M. Sonnleitner)

3. July, 2025/by Michaela Sonnleitner

Days of Biodiversity ´25 – a review

Highlights, Meetings, Veranstaltungen

The Days of Biodiversity ’25, which ABOL once again has co-organized, are over. Our thanks go to our co-organizers Biodiversity Hub, BOKU, ZooBot, NOBIS, University of Vienna and NHM Vienna for the smooth cooperation. First and foremost, however, we would like to thank all participants for inspiring lectures, interactive workshops and lively discussion rounds.

Under the motto “Together on the way out of the biodiversity crisis”, the focus was on the challenges associated with the global decline in biodiversity and possible solution strategies. Around 500 experts, researchers and interested parties came together to discuss current developments and sustainable paths for the future.

38 sessions focused on the latest scientific findings and the development of practical solutions. National and international experts from the fields of nature conservation, research and practice presented innovative approaches to actively counteract the loss of biodiversity. One of the many highlights was a panel discussion on the Austrian Biodiversity Policy Barometer 2024, in which representatives from politics, science, agriculture and the Austrian Biodiversity Council debated the most pressing challenges and solutions. The importance of joint efforts and interdisciplinary cooperation was particularly emphasized.

ABOL celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ABOL initiative with its own session, a review of the development of molecular methods in species identification, an outlook on future directions and a series of interesting lectures on ABOL projects and monitoring approaches.

In addition to the professional exchange, there was plenty of time and space for networking. The great response and consistently positive feedback from participants underline the success of the event and confirm the need for joint initiatives. The Days of Biodiversity ’25 have impressively shown that effective measures to counteract the loss of biodiversity can only be implemented through close cooperation at local, national and international levels.

We would like to thank everyone involved for their valuable contributions and commitment and look forward to continued successful cooperation on the way to a more sustainable future!

To the conference-website ->HERE (in German only)

Impressions from the conference:

Days of Biodiversity 25, Icebreaker at NHM Vienna

Days of Biodiversity 25 - panel discussion

Days-of-biodiversity 25 - Keynote J. Settele

20250225_Days-of-Biodiversity_Ice_Breaker_Chloe_Potter_NHMW_061

5. March, 2025/by Michaela Sonnleitner

M. Sonnleitner

GEO Day of Biodiversity in South Carinthia

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Highlights

On the first weekend in July, the ABOL-BioBlitz was a guest at the GEO Day of Biodiversity in the Geopark Karawanken, this year for the first time in southern Carinthia. After the welcome and introductory words in Bleiburg, the Globasnitzbachtal was investigated in the afternoon and evening of the first day. There was something for everyone there – stream, forests, and also wonderful species-rich meadows that made botanists and entomologists’ hearts beat faster. On the second day, the high elevations of the Petzen were the target of the species survey. Equipped with cameras, nets, tubes, etc., the cable car took us to the study area. The sunny weather provided good conditions for the species search, only the wind in exposed locations was a bit of a hindrance. Due to the geological peculiarities and the southern influence, the region is particularly species-rich and therefore extremely exciting for all researchers. Initial estimates have already shown that around 1200 species have been found, which is an impressive number. The success is due not least to the large number of around 90 participating scientists, as well as the perfect organization of the event by the state of Carinthia, the Ökoteam and E.C.O.

We would like to thank you very much for allowing us to be there again, for the great food, the pretty t-shirts and the opportunity to meet friends and colleagues as well as new people.

We would like to call on collectors to contact us if they would like to provide samples of arthropods for DNA barcoding!

17. July, 2024/by Michaela Sonnleitner

N. Fial

10 years ÖEG insect camp

ABOL BioBlitz, Highlights, Veranstaltungen

Parallel to the Day of Biodiversity in the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald, ABOL was represented for the third time at the ÖEG insect camp from June 6th to 9th. Like ABOL, the insect camp also celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and this year it took place in the Karwendel Nature Reserve in Tyrol. On this occasion, all participants were surprised with lovingly designed T-shirts. With a smile and a tear in her eye, the ÖEG youth officer Elisabeth Huber ceremoniously handed over the organization of the camp to Elisabeth Glatzhofer and Samuel Messner.

Around 40 experts and aspiring young entomologists collected various arthropod groups on 13 sample areas. Butterflies, beetles, cicadas, hymenoptera, bugs, flies, millipedes and the like were well represented due to the good weather. The sample areas were as diverse as the taxa collected themselves. Among others, coniferous forests, alpine pastures, ponds, alpine limestone grasslands, high alpine scree slopes and the river bank along the Isar were examined.

In short we presented our new Biodiversity Fund project RefDat and invited all participants to join the project. All interested parties could then pick up tubes prepared by our team for sampling the collected material.

Early in the morning, with full stomachs, a wide range of utensils and mostly ideal weather, the groups fanned out to the study area. After dinner, they met in the restaurant and prepared and identified in a relaxed atmosphere until late into the night. During this time, the opportunity was taken to exchange profound information and make new contacts. All the brave and bright ones went out to light up the night thunderstorms to catch moths with light traps at the end of the day.

We would like to thank the ÖEG team and the Karwendel Nature Park team for the great catering and organization and especially Elisabeth Huber for her many years of commitment! We are eagerly awaiting the results of the data analysis as well as the results of our DNA samples.

Impressions (photos: N. Fial, N. Szucsich):

17. July, 2024/by Michaela Sonnleitner

TdA Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald - Vienna-Liesing

M. Sonnleitner

The first ABOL BioBlitzes 2024

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Highlights, Veranstaltungen

Thanks to the Biodiversity Fund projects ABOL-RefDat and GeMonA+, our ABOL team at the Natural History Museum Vienna grew at the beginning of 2024 and the first BioBlitzes were a good opportunity to support data collection and networking in the biodiversity community.

This year’s Day of Biodiversity of the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald took place in Vienna-Liesing, at the same time part of the ABOL team traveled to the ÖEG insect camp in the Karwendel Nature Reserve.

On the occasion of the City Nature Challenge, an excursion to the Vienna-Liesing study area around Himmelswiese started at the end of April. Some species were already recorded there and on the Days of Biodiversity on June 8th and 9th this list of species was further expanded. In ideal weather conditions, which only made catching insects difficult due to occasional gusts of wind, we went along forest paths and extensive meadows to different types of water. The bright expert T-shirts meant that we kept meeting interested visitors or experts from other species groups, which led to nice conversations.

At the Biodiversity Festival, we shared an information stand with the Mycological Society, which was packed thanks to the favorable mushroom weather beforehand!

The Day of Biodiversity came to a cozy end at a nearby wine tavern, to which all experts were invited. A big thank you to the organizing team, as always it was a great experience that ran smoothly!

Impressions (photos: M. Sonnleitner)

16. July, 2024/by Michaela Sonnleitner

Our new project: ABOL-RefDat

Highlights, Projects

ABOL reference data (ABOL-RefDat) – call for project collaboration!

We are very pleased that the ABOL-RefDat project, funded by the Biodiversity Fund, started at the beginning of the year!

Our goal? The creation of at least 5,000 DNA barcodes for at least 1,500 Austrian species of animals, plants and fungi, as well as closing data gaps in Austria! A particular focus is on pollinators, soil and aquatic organisms.

As part of the RefDat project, we can award contracts for taxonomic work for the first time and are still looking for project partners!
Using checklists, we can perform GAP analyses to specifically identify taxon-specific data gaps, i.e. identify species for which no or only a few DNA barcodes of species from Austria are available in the BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System). This way we can work together to complete the reference data! As part of RefDat, collection material (that is not too old) can be used, as well as specifically newly collected material, for which collection permits must be available. The DNA barcodes generated in the project will be fed into the international database BOLD and will be available open access for numerous applications.

Requirements for cooperation:

suitable, morphologically well-determined material
submission of collection permits for new collected specimens (mandatory!)
deposition of reference organisms in scientific collections
start as soon as possible, sample processing should be completed by the beginning of 2025

Due to the relatively short project duration until October 2025, we are trying to find partners quickly.
If you are interested, please contact us as quickly as possible (abol@nhm-wien.ac.at)!

This project is funded by the Biodiversity Fund of the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of Austria.

23. January, 2024/by Michaela Sonnleitner

DNA barcoding workshop at UNZA - group photo

M. Sonnleitner

DNA barcoding workshop at the University of Zambia 2.0

Highlights, Meetings, Projects, Veranstaltungen, Workshops

Due to last year’s great success, the 2^nd DNA barcoding workshop took place in September at the University of Zambia (UNZA) in the capital Lusaka.
As part of the OeAD project “Inventorying biodiversity in the tropics: Establishing a DNA-barcoding pipeline for characterizing and monitoring Zambia’s biodiversity” led by the University of Graz (Stephan Koblmüller and Lukas Zangl) and participation by ABOL and Prof. Cyprian Katongo (UNZA ) students and staff of UNZA were trained in all the necessary steps to create DNA barcodes. The workshop began with a series of lectures on various aspects of DNA barcoding as a standard approach to recording biodiversity, its possible applications in monitoring, the challenges of a national biodiversity initiatives and opportunities for students and doctoral candidates to conduct research in Austria. The remaining workshop days covered the entire process of creating DNA barcode references – from sampling to data analysis. The DNA barcodes generated from fish and dragonflies are intended to serve as a crystallization point around which a national initiative in Zambia can be formed. Using the dragonflies, the participants were also introduced to the preparation and identification of insects. Laboratory work with DNA extraction and PCR, as well as the processing and evaluation of sequence data, were particularly popular. Overall, the workshop was once again a great success with around 30 participants.