28 March 2025 | Article

Environmental DNA Reveals Hidden Species 

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has opened up many new possibilities for researchers, companies, and organizations striving to better understand and map nature and biodiversity. Recently, this technology has led to the discovery of several previously unknown species in Sweden. 

At Uppsala University, researchers have used eDNA to identify five new species within the fungal genus Piloderma, a group of organisms that live in symbiosis with trees and play a crucial role in forest ecology. One of these species is exceptionally small, difficult to detect, and appears to exist only in old-growth forests. These characteristics inspired researchers to name the fungus Fugax, meaning elusive or hidden. 

The discovery of entirely new old-growth forest species serves as a reminder of the intricate ecosystems these forests support and the unique species that depend entirely on their preservation. At the same time, these findings raise important questions: How many species remain undiscovered? And how many of them might disappear before we even have a chance to find them? As forests are increasingly converted from natural woodlands into plantations, specialized species like the newly discovered Piloderma fugax face the risk of extinction. 

This is why mapping biodiversity using eDNA is a crucial tool in conservation efforts. It helps us better understand the complexity of our ecosystems and how to manage forests in a more sustainable way. 

Photo: fightCOtwo

Read more about these discoveries at forskning.se.