Science Saving Rainforests

A new approach to saving rainforests

Our Science Saving Rainforests project aims to restore the genetic diversity of key Big Scrub tree species to avoid inbreeding and future proof them from emerging threats, such as disease, pests and climate change.

Together with Australia’s leading rainforest geneticists at the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, we’re working to reverse the lack of genetic diversity in small, isolated populations of many species that are threatened with extinction or crucial to the structure of the Big Scrub but are no longer self-sustaining. Unless something is done they are at risk of extinction.

Methodology Overview

Research

DNA Sequencing and Genome Analyses

We’ve conducted DNA sequencing on more than 10,000 leaf samples collected across the full distribution ranges of 60 threatened and structural species. Genome analyses of the DNA sequences of each species will identify 20 to 30 populations that collectively have the optimal genetic diversity to avoid inbreeding and provide resilience to future threats to the survival of lowland subtropical rainforest.

Living Seedbank Plantation

Propagation of genetically optimal planting stock

Cuttings, juveniles or seed are being collected from each of 20 to 30 populations of each species and propagated into planting stock that will be used in developing a living seedbank plantation to produce genetically optimal seed for use in restoration plantings.

Distribution

Introduction of genetically optimal planting stock

The genetically optimal planting stock will be planted adjacent to suitable Big Scrub rainforest remnants and restoration sites. This will re-introduce the genetic diversity lost through generations of fragmentation and isolation.

Watch ABC News' Report on
Science Saving Rainforests

Detailed Approach

Research Methodology

A rigorous review process involving various stakeholders was conducted to identify 30 key structural species* and 30 threatened species of trees that occur in our critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest. These 60 tree species will be the subject of research and analysis to identify and restore the genetic diversity required to build self-sustaining populations into the future and help save the Big Scrub and its threatened species from extinction.

The threat of extinction arises principally from the lack of genetic diversity in the very small populations of key structural and threatened species in the isolated remnants of this ecological community and also in the extensive restoration plantings of more than 3 million trees in the Big Scrub region.

Sample Collection and Analysis

More than 10,000 leaf samples are being collected from six individual trees in typically 30 populations across the NSW and QLD ranges of each of the 60 species. The collections are being undertaken by our partner, Dr Robert Kooyman BSc (Hons) PhD, one of Australia’s leading rainforest field and evolutionary ecologists, and his colleagues. DNA of the leaf samples is sequenced by the Program’s contractor, Diversity Arrays Technology.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney

The Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (ReCER) team of our program partner, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, conducts genome analyses of the sequenced DNA of each of the 60 species. This identifies up to 30 or more populations of each species that collectively have the optimal genetic diversity for the Big Scrub region to avoid inbreeding depression and provide resilience to climate change, emerging insect pests and diseases. Species with little genetic diversity across their range will also be identified and excluded from subsequent stages of the Program (‘the excluded species’).

*Key structural species mainly comprise important species that contribute to the closed canopy that characterises lowland subtropical rainforest and contributes to its unique microclimate.

Detailed Approach

Living Seedbank Plantation

Propagules (cuttings, seed or juveniles) are being collected from the wild populations identified by genome analysis, to produce up to 30 or more genetically diverse individual trees for each of the 60 species (less the excluded species).

The next phase of this long-term project involves planting the trees of each species on our property in the heart of the Byron Bay Hinterland. This will form a living seedbank plantation, converting previously degraded land into a lifeline for Critically Endangered Lowland Subtropical Rainforest.

Detailed Approach

Distribution Plan for Restoration

When the plantation trees start fruiting, which may take six to ten years for some species, the genetically optimal seed will be harvested and propagated into planting stock by our partner Firewheel Rainforest Nursery.

We will incorporate this genetically optimal stock into scientifically-informed restoration planting designs, applying best-practice principles to maximise cross-pollination and gene flow across the Big Scrub remnants and existing restoration sites. These plantings will also serve as a blueprint for guiding and improving future restoration efforts.

Planting stock will also be distributed to rainforest restoration practitioners for use in plantings on private land to restore Critically Endangered Lowland Subtropical Rainforest. This will help to improve genetic diversity within restoration plantings of more than 3m rainforest trees which have been planted in the Big Scrub region over the past 30 years.

Detailed Approach

Future Implications for Conservation and Restoration

The genetically diverse restoration plantings that this program supports will provide sustainable and expanding habitat for the many threatened flora and fauna species that occur in the Big Scrub.

The innovative landscape-scale genetics-based methodology implemented by this program can be applied in the restoration of other heavily degraded ecosystems and enhance the longevity of major reforestation projects and carbon sequestration plantings in Australia and globally.

Genetic Rescue of the Big Scrub

Watch Renee Borrow’s ‘Genetic Rescue of the Big Scrub’ presentation from the 2025 National Landcare Conference.

Media and Awards

ABC News

Rainforest project to create new generation of ‘super trees’ on rural property near Lismore.

ABC Radio National

The Science Show investigates the role of science in restoring the Big Scrub.

Congratulations to our Partners

Congratulations to the team at Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience for being recognised as a Finalist in the prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

Their research efforts, which are helping us find the best mother trees for our Science Saving Rainforest Program, are deployed across tens of thousands of plants to ensure the survival of more than 120 Australian plant species.

Journal Publication: Australasian Plant Conservation

A paper detailing the science and approach behind Science Saving Rainforests has been published in the Summer 2024-2025 issue of Australasian Plant Conservation.

Read the discussion of the Program’s methodology from our team Renee Borrow and Tony Parkes.

Project Team

Project Supporters