Scientists Track Endangered Mexican Long-Nosed Bats Using Saliva Samples in Southwest

Recent advancements in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis have confirmed the presence of the endangered Mexican long-nosed bat in southeastern Arizona, utilizing saliva samples collected from hummingbird feeders. Bat Conservation International collaborated with local residents to gather these samples, which were analyzed at Northern Arizona University. This non-invasive method allows researchers to identify bat species without the need for traditional capturing techniques, which can be time-consuming and less effective. The Mexican long-nosed bat, listed as endangered since 1988, plays a crucial role in pollinating key desert plants. The discovery not only expands Arizona's bat species count to 29 but also highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in wildlife conservation efforts. Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department praised this innovative approach to tracking bat migration patterns.