Assessment of the Diversity, Distinctiveness and Conservation of Australia’s Central Queensland Coastal Rainforests Using DNA Barcoding

Globally threatened dry rainforests are poorly studied and conserved when compared to mesic rainforests. Investigations of rainforest communities within Australia no exception. We assessed the community diversity, distinctiveness level conservation in Central Queensland coastal communities. Our three-marker DNA barcode-based phylogeny, based on species from Coast, was combined with phylogeny Southeast Queensland. The phylogenetic tree Coast (CQC) lists were used evaluate diversity (PD) estimates composition pinpoint regions significant biodiversity. evaluated patterns relationships between biogeographical areas Queensland, Subregions. Subsequently, we identified highest phylogenetically even communities, consistent refugia, significantly more related than random, expansion into disturbed or harsher areas. found clear clustering that suggest selection pressures for moisture geology strong drivers distribution diversity. These results showed smaller represented regional plant migration but inadequately protected. To sustain under intense availability substrate type throughout this geologically complex region, future patches is essential.