An evidence map and guide for using community science, remote sensing, and environmental DNA for rare plant detection

Field surveys have been the standard method for conducting species monitoring. However, other methods involving data from community science, remote sensing, and environmental DNA (eDNA) are increasingly being recognized for their potential as complements to traditional surveys. This evidence map examines studies that use these techniques for detecting rare terrestrial vascular plants. We explore plant types detected, study habitats, and recommendations for future research. We also use a case study of Canadian plant species at risk to suggest species that might potentially benefit from being detected via these techniques. We find that herbaceous species are the most common vascular plant type detected in community science and eDNA studies, while trees dominate remote sensing studies. Most community science studies occurred in urban areas, while most remote sensing studies occurred in areas that comprised multiple habitats, and most eDNA studies occurred in semi‐open habitats such as shrublands and wetlands. Few studies discussed the efficacy of these techniques in terms of detection success and resources used. To better situate these new techniques among monitoring options, we discuss common problems, potential solutions, sources of false negative and false positive errors, and financial cost considerations for each technique.