Rapid DNA barcoding‐based fern and lycophyte inventories of protected areas—A pilot study to introduce a simple but effective protocol

Abstract

AbstractRecording inventories of species conserved in protected areas is a key step to evaluate the effectiveness of Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM‐GBF) targets, such as the expansion of protected areas. The application of DNA barcoding facilitates the rapid production of enables to obtain rapid inventories with reduced reliance on taxon experts. These inventories aim not only to confirm existing records but also to minimize gaps in our knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of species targeted for conservation through the implementation of protected areas. This pilot study introduces a simplified DNA barcoding pipeline as a reliable tool for recording fern and lycophyte species occurring in protected areas. The pipeline emphasizes limited and/or short training requirements, reducing the input required from taxon experts and maximizing shared benefits between conservationists and taxonomists. Despite using a single DNA barcoding region, 78% of the accessions were unambiguously identified to the species level. This applied approach not only confirmed previous records but also identified several previously overlooked species, either as newly recorded species conserved in the protected area or as species new to science. The pilot project effectively documented known species diversity and identified gaps in our taxonomic knowledge by discovering previously unknown and locally rare taxa. This rapid assessment enhances productive exchanges between conservation practitioners and taxon experts, with substantial benefits for both parties.