Field validation of an eDNA assay for nutria illuminates a role in invasive species management

Nutria, or coypu (Myocastor coypus), are invasive semi-aquatic rodents present across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Despite successful eradication efforts in certain areas, nutria have resurged in the mid-Atlantic USA, underscoring the need for advanced monitoring tools. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a promising technique for species detection and monitoring. Here, an eDNA assay for nutria was field-validated in Virginia, USA, showcasing its potential as a tool for post-eradication monitoring. The findings reveal an association between water levels and nutria eDNA detection, highlighting the importance of water levels in nutria behavior. A painted turtle assay was introduced to confirm nutria absence and demonstrate the potential of passive sampling. The study showcases the sensitivity and efficiency of eDNA assays, emphasizing their value for monitoring and verifying eradication., , , # Field validation of an eDNA assay for nutria illuminates a role in invasive species management

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ttdz08m56](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ttdz08m56)

The dataset is the output of targeted qPCR to determine the detection of nutria in Virginia using eDNA methodology with water sampling. The dataset listed here is the raw data from multiple qPCR runs, indicating the detection of the target organism at certain sampling times. There were three sampling sites, and sampling was done throughout the year, and during the day and night. Follow-up sampling using an optimized eDNA assay for painted turtles helped reinforce that nutria was absent from the sites, while painted turtles were present.

## Description of the data and file structure

File name: Data_Dryad.xlsx

Output from StepOne Plus instrument in Excel file format. Multiple runs are compiled together and identified by date. See Excel sheets for metadata and descriptions of sites and site identifiers. Empt...,