Elusive tropical forest canopy diversity revealed through environmental DNA contained in rainwater

In tropical rainforests, the canopy forms a dense, leafy upper layer that is home to exceptional biodiversity, much of which remains largely unknown. Exploring it remains difficult due to its inaccessibility, the high costs associated with traditional sampling methods, and the risk of disturbing this fragile environment. These constraints have long limited the ability to effectively study the impacts of human activities on these vital ecosystems. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) has already been used to study a variety of ecosystems, its use in tropical canopies is unprecedented.

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