Scientists and environmental advocates are creating a DNA database of trees in an attempt to better track tree populations and combat illegal logging.
The genetic markers of tree populations can be collected and used to indicate whether a tree was illegally logged from a protected location, according to a report by The Bulletin.
The Norwegian government is spearheading the project, funding it with the U.S. Forest Service’s international program and working with the World Resources Institute, a nonprofit that promotes environmental sustainability.
The experiment is starting small, using volunteers from nonprofit organization Adventure Scientists to collect tissue samples from maple tree populations ranging from Southern California to British Columbia. Volunteers receive online training courses before entering the field to collect the tree DNA.
The plan is for the database of tree DNA to eventually be made available to the public. The initiative is also slated to expand to countries where illegal logging is more widespread, such as Indonesia and Peru.
Related:
Tree DNA Evidence Used to Convict Four in U.S. Maple Theft
