28 November 2025

A new study examining more than 3,000 seed collection records from Australia’s Wet Tropics has revealed that rainforest restoration efforts rely heavily on seeds gathered close to nurseries, often from hotter and more degraded landscapes than the surrounding region.

The study, led by National Environmental Science Program scientist and James Cook University Professor Susan Laurence mapped seed collection locations used by three major revegetation nurseries between 2012 and 2018.

The research published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management found that more than half of all collections occurred within 10 kilometres of nurseries. Most were taken from isolated trees or small remnant patches—areas with low forest cover—primarily because they were easy to reach.

The study also uncovered a strong climatic bias: seed collection sites were consistently warmer than the broader landscape around each nursery. At the species level, many seeds came from the hotter end of a species’ natural temperature range.

“These patterns suggest that logistical constraints—not ecological strategy—are shaping the genetic and climatic profile of restoration stock,” Professor Laurence explained. “While seeds from warmer sites may help young plants cope with rising temperatures, sourcing seeds from small, fragmented populations may limit genetic diversity and long-term resilience.”

The findings raise important questions about whether current seed sourcing practices can support future large-scale reforestation, especially as climate change intensifies.

The authors highlight the need for broader, better-funded seed collection strategies that capture more of each species’ genetic and environmental range.

This research is part of a broader NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub project investigating what social and ecological factors contribute to the success of restoration programs.

The National Environmental Science Program Resilient Landscapes Hub is funded by the Australian government to provide research to inform management of Australia’s terrestrial and freshwater habitats to promote resilience and sustainability.