Data from: 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 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.