Describe & Protect

We develop advanced DNA methods for identifying and tracing the origin of plants, timber and other resources to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable supply chains

Worldwide, illegal harvest of timber and other plant resources is a leading threat to biodiversity.

Our work identifies the species and source-of-origin of timber and other resources to eliminate illegally harvested products in supply changes.

By examining the genetic structure of plant populations, we gain valuable insight into their historic population dynamics – such as where and when migration and adaptation have occurred.

We investigate the historic range dynamics of plants, and use this knowledge to develop genetic markers to aid the tracking and identification of plant material from unknown or dubious sources.

Case Study: Developing a screening tool for imported timber

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Global Innovation Linkages Program and conducted in partnership with InterpreData and Double Helix Tracking Technologies.

Under this project, we develop genetic markers for globally-traded timber species like birch, ash and sandalwood. This involves creating DNA and elemental profiles from timber samples of known species and origin.

We are working with international partners to translate this research into an online portal to act as a screening tool for Australia’s timber imports.

Case Study: Verifying the origin of African cherry timber

Image credit: Tree Conservation Fund

African cherry (Prunus africana) has become endangered due to overharvesting of its bark, which contains medicinal properties. But luckily, programs funded by CITES and the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) are helping to establish sustainable management.

In partnership with Double Helix Tracking Technologies, we undertook an exploratory study of genetic differentiation between controlled and uncontrolled harvest areas of African cherry.

We developed a DNA test to verify the origin of African cherry samples, that is now being used by the Ministry of Forestry in Cameroon.

Case Study: Tracing timber DNA to prosecute bigleaf maple thieves

Theft and illegal logging of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a persistent problem in North America.

Prosecuting the crime has often been challenging, as there was previously no definitive method to match seized timber back to suspected theft sites.

In partnership with Double Helix Tracking Technologies, we developed the first genetic reference database for bigleaf maple, with a suite of 204 SNP and INDEL markers to help differentiate between individual trees.

This profiling technology has since been used by the United States Forest Services (USFS) to successfully prosecute illegal harvest of bigleaf maple.

Image: Double Helix Tracking Technologies