DNA analysis of felled trees offers a powerful method to uncover illegal timber harvesting. The key is building a genetic map of the principal tree populations, enabling researchers to trace the origin of wood with scientific precision. In Siberia, Professor Konstantin Krutovsky, who leads the forest genomics lab at Siberian Federal University, explains how this approach can complement traditional surveillance tools.
Current efforts to curb illegal logging rely on satellites, aerial surveys, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Yet, on-the-ground monitoring remains essential, and comprehensive coverage of vast forests can be impractical. In many cases, rapid access to remote sites is simply not feasible, delaying intervention. Despite these challenges, DNA analysis can confirm whether timber was obtained through legal channels by examining the genetic signature of a cut tree sample.
“This is where geneticists can contribute a reliable DNA-based diagnosis of wood origin”, Krutovsky notes. By genotyping samples, investigators can determine the geographic region where a tree grew and compare it with documentation from harvest records or export declarations. Such cross-checks help authorities distinguish legal timber from illicitly sourced material.
To enable this kind of verification, a genetic map of the major tree populations must be established. A robust reference database acts as a reference framework against which wood samples can be tested. While similar efforts exist for the human genome within Russia, the push to extend DNA-based diagnostics to natural resources is gathering momentum.
Recently, a national initiative known as the DNA Diagnostics program collaborated with partners in Belarus to create a comprehensive human genome database. There is enthusiasm to launch a second phase that would assemble parallel databases for pivotal biological resources in Russia, with forests potentially included as a priority area. The objective is to build the capabilities needed to identify wood origin with high confidence and support law enforcement and regulatory work.
Krutovsky indicates that the project could begin in the coming year, though the allocation of funding and the exact scope for forest resources remain undecided. As this work progresses, researchers emphasize the importance of integrating genetic data with traditional detection methods, creating a multi-layered approach to forest governance that can adapt to remote landscapes and evolving market dynamics.
The ongoing dialogue between genetic science and forest policy reflects a broader trend: turning DNA information into a practical tool for conservation, trade compliance, and sustainable management. By linking molecular signatures to geographic sources, agencies can better verify the legality of wood products and help ensure that forest resources are protected for future generations.