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

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 wi..., , , # Data from: Hummingbird feeders can provide eDNA for detection of nectar-feeding bats

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.905qfttw7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.905qfttw7)

## Description of the data and file structure

The data was collected and analyzed by Northern Arizona University's Bat Ecology and Genetics Lab and by Bat Conservation International. Detailed methods are available in the associated publication. 

### HummingbirdfeedereDNA_TotalDetections.csv

* *Target*: Name of assay run; LENIS3 = *Leptonycteris nivalis*, LEYES5 = *L. yerbabuenae*, CHME14 = *Choeronycteris mexicana*
* *Sample detections*: Total number of samples in which the target species was detected
* *Total screened*: Total number of samples screened; this number includes extraction (reagent) blanks

### HummingbirdfeedereDNA_DetectionTable-Location.csv

* *Site*: Citizen scientists' residence or sample collection site; coded for privacy
* *State*: State where residence is located
* *County*: County where reside...,