About This Project

Less than 5% of Bermuda's original cedars survived an insect outbreak in the mid-20th century. In response, non-native Juniperus were imported, but do not fulfill the ecosystem role provided by endemic Juniperus bermudiana. A genetic tool is needed to restore the Bermuda cedar, as it is difficult to distinguish endemic from imported and hybrid trees visually. This project will fund sequencing of two trees, providing genomic data for a larger population study at the basis of a genetic tool.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The endemic Bermuda cedar (Juniperus bermudiana) once dominated Bermuda's landscape and shaped its unique ecosystems. Between 1946 and 1953, accidental introduction of juniper scale insects destroyed approximately 95% of the population. To restore tree cover, similar non-native cedars were imported. Although these trees helped re-green the island, they are less resilient to Bermuda's ecosystem, and by hybridizing with endemic trees, further diminish its remaining population.

Today, Juniperus bermudiana is listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List, 2010), yet conservationists lack a reliable means of distinguishing endemic Bermuda cedars from hybrids. Accurate identification is essential for restoration, seed collection, and long-term preservation. By generating genomic data from both an endemic and an imported cedar, this project provides a critical foundation for developing a genetic tool to do the job.

What is the significance of this project?

The two genomes funded here will be part of a larger population genomics study conducted in partnership with local NGO BioQuest that will identify genetic markers unique to Bermuda cedar and support development of a robust identification assay. The larger population study will provide the foundation for a practical conservation tool that can guide restoration of one of Bermuda's most iconic species. A reliable genetic tool will support the Bermuda Government, conservation organizations, and researchers in identifying endemic Bermuda cedars for propagation, seed banking, ecological restoration, and future monitoring.

The impact extends well beyond this campaign by strengthening local conservation capacity for this species, and for genomics approaches to conservation in general. It also supports a Cultural Apprenticeship Program that preserves knowledge for future generations. Every tree sequenced for this study helps bring a meaningful conservation solution closer to implementation.

What are the goals of the project?

The immediate goal of this campaign is to sequence two carefully selected cedar genomes: one Bermuda cedar and one imported cedar. These genomes provide essential comparative data required to begin identifying genetic differences between endemic and introduced trees and represent a necessary milestone toward developing a genetic identification tool.

Following sequencing, the genomic data will be integrated with the data from additional samples collected through the larger project in partnership with local conservation NGO BioQuest, and compared against the existing Bermuda cedar reference genome generated earlier through this same partnership. Population genomic analyses will identify markers unique to Juniperus bermudiana that can ultimately be translated into a practical genetic tool. The completed assay will support restoration programs, seed banking, and conservation decisions by enabling reliable identification of endemic Bermuda cedars.