Establishing standardized protocols for using environmental DNA to assess biodiversity of forests

In countries such as Sweden, where large areas of forest are actively managed, forest management practices have a significant impact on biodiversity. Swedish forestry often involves clear-cutting combined with the preservation of selected areas and habitat features. This means that our ability to identify forests with high conservation value is important for reducing the negative effects of forestry on biodiversity.

This project aims to develop standardized protocols for using environmental DNA (eDNA) to improve biodiversity monitoring and support the identification of such areas.

To determine whether an area has high conservation value, it is necessary to know which species are present. This requires biodiversity monitoring. However, traditional monitoring relies on manual field surveys that require taxonomic expertise, are time-consuming, and can be subjective.

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to genetic material that organisms leave behind in their environment, for example in soil or water. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have made it possible to use eDNA for biodiversity monitoring. With this approach, species can be detected without direct observation or the need for extensive taxonomic expertise.

Because of these advantages, eDNA has been proposed as an alternative to traditional monitoring methods. However, there are currently no standardized protocols for how eDNA should be used in practice.

By developing such protocols, the project aims to make eDNA a reliable and efficient method for biodiversity monitoring.

Research team

PhD student: Amanda Mikko

Main supervisor: Nathaniel Street

Assistant supervisor: Vaughan Hurry

Collaborating partner: Stora Enso

Project period: November 2024 – November 2029

This project is part of WIFORCE – the Wallenberg Initiative in Forest Research, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.