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Data from: Hummingbird feeders can provide eDNA for detection of nectar-feeding bats

Riley, Anna1; Sanchez, Daniel1; Lear, Kristen2; Burke, Rachel2; Mann, Brianna2; Walker, Faith1

Published Feb 02, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.905qfttw7

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Abstract

In the face of ongoing anthropogenic pressures on global biodiversity, effective monitoring strategies are essential for understanding species distributions and guiding conservation. Leptonycteris nivalis, L. yerbabuenae, and Choeronycteris mexicana are nectar-feeding bats of conservation concern that occur in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Leptonycteris nivalis and L. yerbabuenae are morphologically similar and difficult to differentiate in the field, making eDNA a particularly relevant monitoring tool. Since previous studies have shown that eDNA detection of these species is possible when swabs are taken from their dietary flowers, we sought to determine whether they can be detected from artificial feeders, which are commonly used on residential properties to attract hummingbirds, and are a known supplemental food source for L. yerbabuenae. Between 2023 and 2024, citizen scientists (n = 12) in Arizona and New Mexico took 306 swabs of hummingbird feeders, which we tested with an existing qPCR assay for L. nivalis and newly-developed qPCR assays for L. yerbabuenae and C. mexicana. Leptonycteris yerbabuenae and C. mexicana showed the highest number of detections (300 and 274 swabs, respectively). Previously only known to occur in the U.S. in Texas and New Mexico, we detected L. nivalis near Portal, Arizona, within 50 km of documented foraging range in western New Mexico. Detections of this endangered species suggest its range extends beyond Hidalgo County, New Mexico and into neighboring Cochise County, Arizona, highlighting a need for increased surveillance of this species. Our work with artificial nectar feeders expands the eDNA detection method for nectar-feeding bats to the human-wildlife interface, and shows that citizen science can be successfully used for eDNA surveys. Such methods provide an alternative to mist netting or acoustics, which can help monitor occupancy and clarify range extensions. This work corroborates other studies illustrating that eDNA can effectively detect and monitor terrestrial species.