Tweed Landcare
Target species detection
Landcare
Tweed Landcare engaged EnviroDNA on a monitoring project for the Border Ranges Lined Fern (Antrophyum austroqueenslandicum). This is an epiphytic fern that grows on the surface of volcanic boulders and tree trunks in subtropical rainforests. It’s listed as Critically Endangered on the EPBC list, having an extremely limited distribution only occurring on the border of QLD and NSW.
Traditional environmental monitoring techniques for monitoring rare ferns often rely on field-based ecological techniques. Field surveys can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and require skilled botanists, factors which often limit the spread and feasibility due to costs and site inaccessibility.
This project is part of a coordinated effort by NSW Landcare groups (Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, and Tweed Landcare), funded through the DCCEW Saving Native Species Grant.
This project applied eDNA as an innovative method for detecting the Border Ranges Lined Fern. EnviroDNA developed a targeted qPCR assay specifically designed to detect the species during its cryptic gametophyte stage.
Many plants, including the Border Ranges Lined Fern, have two life stages: sporophyte and gametophyte. Sporophyte refers to the mature leafy plant, and gametophyte means the microscopic stage that produces gametes (eggs and sperm).
Using this assay, the fern DNA could be analysed without needing to see the actual plant. Samples were collected by the Tweed Landcare group using eDNA samples that were swabbed from suitable habitats including andesite boulders.
Results
Analysis with the optimised qPCR assay successfully detected a remnant population of the Border Ranges Lined Fern. This project also involved additional metabarcoding analysis that revealed significant microbial associations, which may provide insights to support translocation and breeding programs.
This project demonstrates the power of applying eDNA for monitoring rare, cryptic plant species, offering a non-invasive, highly sensitive approach that complements traditional ecological surveys.
Border Ranges Lined Fern, Lui Weber