Comparing the effectiveness of environmental DNA and camera traps for surveying American mink (Neogale vison) in northeastern Indiana.

ABSTRACT: While camera traps can effectively detect semi-aquatic mammal species, they are also often temporally and monetarily inefficient and have a difficult time detecting smaller bodied, elusive mammals. Recent studies have shown that extracting DNA from environmental samples can be a non-invasive, alternative method of detecting elusive species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has not yet been used to survey American mink (Neogale vison), a cryptic and understudied North American mustelid. To help determine best survey practices for the species, we compared the effectiveness and efficiency of eDNA and camera traps in surveys for American mink. We used both methods to monitor the shoreline of seven bodies of water in northeastern Indiana from March to May 2021. We extracted DNA from filtered environmen

SUBMITTER: Di Girolamo EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11419345 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature