Development and assessment of an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for a cryptic Siren (Amphibia: Sirenidae)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) assays have become a major aspect of surveys for aquatic organisms in the past decade. These methods are highly sensitive, making them well-suited monitoring rare and cryptic species. Current efforts to study Rio Grande Siren southern Texas been hampered due nature these salamanders. Arid conditions further add difficulty studying this species, as many water bodies they inhabit ephemeral, sometimes constraining sampling short window after heavy rain. Additionally, sirens known cease activity reside underground when ponds begin dry or temperatures increase. Conventional require extensive trap-hours be effective, which is not always possible within required window. This presents development novel eDNA assay technique elusive species using conventional PCR Sanger sequencing compares results with simultaneous trapping at multiple sites assess relative effectiveness procedure. detection via was significantly higher all compared trapping, confirming utility detection. methodology gives promise future work assessing distribution status has potential use on other amphibians.