Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful method for analyzing biodiversity in soil ecosystems, revealing the presence of bacteria, invertebrates, and fungi. This approach provides deep insights into the ecological status and biodiversity of habitats. On behalf of the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, a comprehensive eDNA survey of forest soils was conducted to identify rare and red-listed fungi associated with old-growth coniferous forests.
The survey covered 22 forest sites in Norrbotten County, where eDNA was analyzed for fungi and soil fauna. The results identified a total of 232 fungal species and 73 soil fauna species, including 14 red-listed fungi and eight species previously unrecorded in Sweden, according to the Swedish Species Information Centre (SLU Artdatabanken). Among the most notable discoveries were Sarcodon glaucopus, Tricholoma apium, and Bankera fuligineoalba, all of which are threatened species linked to mature coniferous forests. Additionally, several indicator species were identified, confirming the high ecological quality and long-term continuity of these forests.
The study highlights that eDNA is an effective tool for biodiversity assessments in forest ecosystems, especially in areas where traditional survey methods are challenging to implement. The collected data serves as a scientific basis for identifying and protecting forests with high conservation value, supporting efforts to achieve Sweden’s national environmental goals, including “Living Forests” and “Biodiversity”. The project also demonstrates the potential of eDNA as a key method for future forest management and conservation efforts, strengthening the ability to make data-driven and scientifically grounded decisions for forest protection and restoration.