Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — In a pioneering conservation move, Lebanese scientists have developed the first DNA barcode reference library for mammals and plants of the Eastern Mediterranean, including key endemic and endangered species native to Lebanon University of Cambridge.

Conducted by the Biodiversity and Functional Genomics Lab at Saint‑Joseph University in Beirut (USJ), this study introduced a genetic catalog of 18 mammal species and 52 plant species using DNA barcoding techniques. Notably, 25 plant species and two mammal species were sequenced for the first time with these molecular markers PubMed.

This breakthrough lays a crucial scientific foundation for ecological restoration efforts, particularly forest rehabilitation. It allows researchers to accurately monitor biodiversity, support species identification, and enrich ecosystem restoration strategies with data-driven clarity.

Such genetic tools offer a transformative leap forward, enabling Lebanon to shift from monoculture plantations to diverse, resilient forests that better sustain wildlife and address growing environmental challenges.