Stemflow for detecting mammalian environmental DNA: a case study in a zoo

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stemflow as a source for detecting mammalian environmental DNA (eDNA) using an eDNA metabarcoding approach. By analyzing stemflow collected repeatedly from trees in a zoo setting, we investigated the detectability of captive and non-captive mammal species and examined factors affecting detection, including distance from enclosures and bark characteristics. The findings demonstrate that stemflow can serve as a useful medium for monitoring mammalian diversity, highlighting its potential for broader biodiversity surveillance in natural environments.