Effective management of invasive species relies on early detection and reliable surveillance tools. House mice (Mus musculus) are among the world’s most widespread invasive mammals, and their presence on islands and conservation lands can severely impact native biodiversity. This study evaluated how well environmental DNA (eDNA) can detect mice at different population densities and how long the DNA signal remains after the animals are removed.
Researchers used a validated mouse-specific eDNA assay and tested it across two settings: a controlled indoor environment and an outdoor mesocosm that better reflects natural conditions. They introduced known numbers of wild-caught, free-ranging mice to each setup and tracked how quickly eDNA accumulated and how long it persisted once the mice were removed.
The results showed very rapid detection: eDNA from a single mouse became detectable within one hour. In the controlled indoor setting, the DNA signal persisted for months, while in the outdoor mesocosm it degraded much faster, becoming mostly undetectable after four days. These findings demonstrate how environmental conditions shape both detection sensitivity and DNA persistence, which has practical implications for monitoring.
Read the full paper here.
