ABSTRACT Introduction The Cricetidae family (Rodentia: Mammalia) is one of the most diverse and widespread mammalian groups, exhibiting significant morphological, behavioural and ecological variation. In Mexico, it represents approximately one‐third of the mammal fauna and half of the endemic species, yet an updated assessment of its status has been lacking. Objective This study provides a current synthesis of the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of cricetid rodents in Mexico. Methods Data from scientific literature and conservation databases—including the IUCN Red List and Mexico's NOM‐059—were systematically analysed to compile an updated inventory. Results and Discussion We report 162 species and 262 subspecies in Mexico, an 11% rise in species from the previous decade, with 58% of species and 72% of subspecies endemic. Diversity follows a clear altitudinal gradient, peaking in montane regions. Conservation assessments show that 60% of evaluated species (~80% of known fauna) are globally threatened (IUCN), while Mexico's NOM‐059 lists 23% at risk and recognises two extinct species. Field studies indicate five additional species face near‐term extinction from habitat loss, exotic species and competition. Endemic taxa have lost 34%–40% of their habitat on average, with high‐elevation species being highly vulnerable to climate change. Furthermore, 45 taxa require taxonomic revision, which could significantly increase recognised species. Conclusions Therefore, the number of species is expected to rise notably while subspecies count declines. Advances in taxonomy are essential to reduce the Linnean shortfall and inform conservation.
ABSTRACT Introduction Mapping areas of climatic stability represents a critical strategy for the maintenance and conservation of biodiversity‐rich environments in the face of ongoing climate change. Neotropical primates are among the most sensitive taxa to climatic shifts. Objectives Given the significant threat posed by climate change and the high species richness in the Neotropical region, we aimed to: (1) identify climatically stable areas in the Neotropics through time (1970–2000 and 2061–2080); (2) examine the relationship between climatic stability and patterns of primate endemism and species richness; and (3) assess uncertainties associated with modelling components. Methods We built Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) for 92 species of New World primates, projecting their potential distributions under future climatic scenarios (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5). Main Results A large climatically stable area was identified in the Amazon and parts of the Andes, regions characterised by forested habitats. Discussion Areas of highest primate richness and endemism overlapped with climatically stable areas. Our results also suggest that climatic suitability uncertainty varies primarily among species, whereas climatic models contribute the least to overall uncertainty. Conclusion These findings underscore the crucial role of climatically stable environments in sustaining primate diversity patterns across the Neotropical region and highlight the importance of incorporating such areas into conservation strategies.
ABSTRACT Introduction Species geographic co‐occurrence is shaped by both climatic preferences (climatic niche) and biotic interactions such as trophic resource competition (dietary niche). Although climatic niches are generally thought to drive broad‐scale geographic distributions and dietary niches to influence local‐scales dynamics, the limited data available for dietary niches may have led to an underestimation of its role at broad scales. Aim We assessed how geographical co‐occurrence between species of the bat family Phyllostomidae, the most ecologically diverse mammalian family, may be influenced by similarities in their climatic and dietary niches. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review to obtain data on food resources consumed (dietary niches) by phyllostomid bats and on their geographic distributions and climate preferences (climatic niches) from online databases. Then, we constructed and correlated similarity matrices of geographic co‐occurrence, climatic and dietary niches at the family and subfamily levels. Results Family‐level analyses revealed significant positive relationships among geographic overlap and both climatic and dietary niche similarities, although climatic niches appear to be more important in determining geographic co‐occurrence. Variations in these patterns became evident when examining subfamilies. Conclusions Our study shows that climatic niches play a fundamental role in driving geographical co‐occurrence of phyllostomids, often outweighing the role of dietary niches in importance. We suggest that climatic variation across the American tropics not only shapes the geographic distribution of phyllostomid bats but also modulates the availability and exploitation of different food resources. Divergent patterns among subfamilies may reflect the dietary specialisations inherent to each subfamily.
ABSTRACT Introduction In the Iberian Peninsula, autochthonous breeds of mountain ponies, raised in a traditional free‐ranging system, can comprise most of the wolf diet, leading to significant economic losses and conflicts. Nevertheless, drivers of horse consumption remain poorly understood. Aims This review quantifies the role of free‐ranging horses in Iberian wolf diet and factors influencing horse consumption, through a meta‐analysis to: (1) assess general patterns of wolf diet in areas with/without free‐ranging ponies; (2) investigate how free‐ranging horse consumption affects other prey consumption; and (3) identify key drivers influencing free‐ranging horse consumption. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of 37 publications, comprising 137 annual studies and 104 sampling sites. Results and Discussion Overall, horses are the third most consumed species, following goats and wild boar. Free‐ranging horses are, on average, the most common wolf prey, surpassing wild and domestic prey. Moreover, free‐ranging horse consumption is higher than domestic ungulates at lower altitudes, with smaller wolf packs and lower domestic prey diversity. Compared to wild ungulates, horse consumption is higher with larger wolf packs and higher human density. In relation to occasional prey species, free‐ranging horses are more consumed at lower altitudes and with greater wild and domestic prey diversity. In sampling sites without free‐ranging horses, we observed a stronger effect of horse abundance in the level of their consumption by wolves. Conclusion Our findings suggest free‐ranging horse consumption is restricted to NW Iberia and determined by prey availability, topography and human density. When available, free‐ranging horses are more consumed than other species, acting as a buffer to reduce predation on more valuable livestock, which highlights their important ecological role.
ABSTRACT Introduction In Ecology, guilds are groups of species that exploit the same class of resource similarly. Bat ecologists often use guilds to study resource partitioning, identify species that have undergone adaptive convergence and understand species' responses to ecological disturbances and conservation efforts. Aim To provide an overview of the major guilds used for bats, examine how these guilds are used, identify research gaps and offer recommendations for bat guild usage. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of bat guild papers addressing two key questions: (i) what guilds are used in bat research, and (ii) which species and locations have been studied using guilds. Results Ninety‐nine per cent of the selected 658 studies used some combination of the same five major guild systems. Almost half (47%) were conducted in the Neotropics. Seventy‐one per cent of all valid extant bat species, 93% of genera and all bat families were represented in the guild studies, but only 9% of studies included members of Pteropodidae. Discussion The five major bat guild systems are Trophic, Habitat Type, Foraging Mode, Echolocation and Roosting. Most of these systems focus on foraging, and several use echolocation call design and wing morphology for guild assignments. Important research gaps were identified: Roosting guilds require further study and refinement, and both the Indomalayan and Afrotropic regions are severely understudied. It is recommended that researchers explicitly mention the criteria used to assign species to guilds and specify the exact type of guild being used.
ABSTRACT Introduction Interactions between humans and wildlife often cause conflict, and identifying these is essential for informed decision‐making. Aims We identified conflicts associated with British terrestrial mammals to assess their impacts. Methods We conducted a literature review to identify relevant articles, categorised as economic, health, environmental or social, which were ranked using a Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS). Results and Discussion We identified 48 species associated with 200 conflicts. Sika deer were involved in the most conflicts. The highest ranked conflicts were measurable on an economic scale (involving rabbits, badgers, brown rats, grey squirrels), with the total estimated cost of economic conflicts exceeding £0.5 billion. The most common conflicts were reservoirs of disease and zoonotic disease, with non‐native species scoring statistically higher than native species for the latter. Generally, we scored these conflicts low, deemed localised and mild, but highlighted the importance of surveillance to monitor disease spread. Potential impact increased as a function of biomass and population size; therefore, a GISS may identify species capable of expanding beyond their current range, such as recently reintroduced beavers. Recommendations A GISS is useful for identifying conflict species, but there is the need to understand the value of British wildlife. We identified costs‐to‐benefit trade‐offs for several high‐impact species, which underlie human‐conflict and/or coexistence and are critical for informed decision‐making. As one in four British mammal species face local extinction, the emphasis could encourage focus away from conflict resolution to acceptance and/or tolerance where wildlife and people coexist.
ABSTRACT Introduction Though Dehnel's phenomenon is intuitively fascinating, it remains poorly understood. It entails seasonal, summer‐to‐winter shrinking and then regrowth of many tissues and organs, including significant changes in the skull and brain in a small handful of species with year‐round activity and high metabolic rates. Aim The availability of new methods has led to renewed interest and resulting knowledge making a review timely. Methods We carried out a comprehensive review of the literature, resulting in a complete dataset for all currently known species showing Dehnel's phenomenon. Results Based on this review, both long‐term climate and short‐term environmental variables do not only drive patterns but also modify the extent of the phenomenon. New methods such as modern imaging, metabolomics, and genomics have given us a deeper understanding of Dehnel's phenomenon and open up avenues for understanding the evolution of this phenomenon and applied medical research. Discussion We conclude with recommendations about future directions of research, including a checklist for traits to identify species that might potentially show this phenomenon.
ABSTRACT Introduction Chamois ( Rupicapra spp.) are widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia (ten subspecies). Studies on their distribution and habitat selection account for less than 10% of the literature on the genus, and existing research disproportionately focuses on the Alpine chamois ( R. r. rupicapra ). Aims We explored the chamois home range patterns and habitat selection drivers, trends in methodological data collection and analysis tools, and research gaps. Methods We conducted a systematic search (PRISMA guideline) and a meta‐analysis of the peer‐reviewed, English‐language articles that reported quantitative data on home range size or habitat selection, comprising 22 studies spanning 16 study areas. Results and Discussion Knowledge stemmed mainly (68% of studies) from the Alpine subspecies. Seven subspecies remain understudied (0–1 study each). Telemetry and field observations were the primary field methods in home range and habitat selection studies, respectively. Annual individual home ranges were small but varied greatly (0.04–4.94 km 2 ), depending on sex (larger in males), dispersal behaviour (larger in migrating males) and season. Habitat selection analysis (24 factors tested; 452 cases) revealed that topography (elevation, slope, escape terrain) and human disturbance (hunting, infrastructure, hiking trails, livestock) influenced chamois habitat selection. Rocky, grassland and forest habitat use were season‐dependent, and snow‐covered areas were generally avoided. Recommendations We highlight the need for further research on underrepresented and threatened subspecies, as well as on the chamois' responses to human disturbance and climatic variables, to better inform conservation management under global change.
Introduction: Arboreal and nocturnal mammals in the Amazon remain poorly understood due to low detectability and methodological limitations. Glironia venusta, one of the most elusive Neotropical marsupials, exemplifies this issue. Aims: To update the geographic distribution of G. venusta across the Amazon basin, characterise habitat associations in relation to land-use and land-cover change and conservation areas (CAs), compare survey techniques, and document behaviour, activity patterns, and coexistence with sympatric mammals. Methods: Georeferenced records from literature (sightings, collected, camera-traps), curated iNaturalist observations, and systematic canopy camera-trapping were integrated. Spatial analyses quantified habitat use, forest cover change, and representation within CAs, while survey techniques were compared temporally. Results: We compiled 72 unique localities, increasing the spatial occurrence by 77% relative to current IUCN assessments. Most records occurred in forests, though localised and landscape-scale forest loss was detected around several sites. Camera traps accounted for most recent detections. We provided the first camera-trap documentation of gum-feeding and confirmed strictly nocturnal activity with moderate temporal overlap (Dhat1 = 0.63-0.74) with other arboreal mammals. Discussion: Our results indicate that the perceived rarity of G. venusta reflects historical undersampling. Targeted canopy camera-trapping and curated citizen science substantially improve detectability, while habitat loss outside CAs represents a key conservation challenge. Conclusion: For elusive arboreal mammals, integrating survey techniques provides robust practice-oriented insights. We recommend updating the IUCN assessment of G. venusta and adopting landscape-scale monitoring strategies beyond CAs, providing a replicable framework for improving the monitoring of other Data Deficient Amazonian mammals.
Introduction Rewilding, through both passive and active strategies, is a promising conservation approach to restore ecosystem functions and biodiversity. Nevertheless, it may unintentionally influence disease dynamics. Aims This perspective examines the mechanisms by which rewilding influences disease ecology and provides guidelines for integral surveillance. Main Body Shifts in community structure and landscape modulate host-vector-pathogen interactions, modulating the emergence, persistence, and spillover of pathogens. We present how these factors, associated with rewilding projects, can modify ecosystem stability and health-related risks to wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations. Results This work highlights the importance of integrating disease ecology into rewilding frameworks, advocating for a One-Health approach that focuses on both domestic and wild animals, the environment, and human health. Recommendations Implementation of context-specific monitoring and early detection systems is essential for identifying and managing disease threats. By integrating proactive control measures, rewilding efforts can ensure the fulfilment of ecological goals while mitigating adverse health consequences.
Introduction: Behavioural responses are widely used to assess disturbance impacts on mammals, yet body condition has received less attention. Energy state influences how mammals balance foraging against safety, making body condition-a reflection of energy reserves-a critical but overlooked factor in disturbance responses. We propose that mammals follow predictable, state-dependent strategies when responding to disturbance. Methods: We reviewed theoretical frameworks for how body condition shapes behavioural responses to danger. Then, we examine how energetic demands vary by life-history, draw on predator-prey studies showing body condition influences risk acceptance, and finally, review the limited studies directly examining body condition effects on disturbance responses. Results: We identified three theoretical frameworks-asset-protection, needs-based, and ability-based strategies-that predict how body condition influences behavioural responses to disturbance. Energy demands differ by sex, age, reproductive status, and life-history strategy, creating variation in how individuals balance foraging needs and safety when energetically challenged. Predator-prey studies reveal a consistent pattern: poor-condition individuals adopt needs-based strategies (increased foraging, reduced vigilance) while good-condition individuals follow asset-protection strategies (heightened vigilance, greater reactivity). Although fewer studies examine body condition in anthropogenic disturbance contexts, they show the same relationship, suggesting these principles extend to human-wildlife interactions. Discussion: As climate change intensifies nutritional stress, understanding body condition's role in disturbance responses becomes increasingly critical. More individuals may exhibit reduced responses not from habituation, a common management assumption, but from heightened foraging needs. Behavioural studies must incorporate body condition to avoid misinterpreting impacts and develop effective management strategies.
Introduction Tracing consumer diet is an integral part of community ecology and various methodological approaches exist for doing so. For terrestrial carnivores, four common approaches are: (1) morphological faecal analysis; (2) molecular faecal analysis (i.e., DNA metabarcoding); (3) stable isotope analysis (SIA); and (4) GPS cluster searches. Aims and Methods Researchers often have to choose between these approaches, yet there was a lack of guidance around the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Here, we provide that guidance by analysing data from studies that compared multiple approaches in the same system and synthesising the factors that distinguish these approaches from one another. Dietary Comparison Results Using dietary data from 64 comparisons derived from 18 papers, we found that agreement was high between morphological-molecular, low between morphological-GPS cluster and intermediate between morphological-SIA and molecular-SIA approaches. Compared to morphological, GPS clusters reported significantly less small mammals and medium mammals, while SIA reported less plants; researchers should consider their approaches carefully if their focal species eat these foods. Non-Dietary Comparison Results These approaches also vary across other dimensions, including typical sample sizes, whether samples can be linked to individuals, the timeframe represented by the sample and cost. Indeed, per sample, morphological and SIA approaches seem to be substantially less expensive than molecular and GPS cluster. Synthesis We provide several practical recommendations that highlight the contexts where each approach is most appropriate. Ultimately, we show that there are a variety of both dietary and non-dietary factors that researchers should consider when choosing how to trace carnivore diets.
Introduction: Faecal DNA is increasingly used in non-invasive genetic studies, offering a valuable tool for wildlife research, especially for elusive or protected species. It enables genetic analysis with minimal or no impact on animal welfare. Aims: Here we review scientific publications using faecal pellets as a source of DNA in wild lagomorphs, provide a critical overview of field and laboratory methodologies and provide suggested improvements for future genetic studies. Methods: Using the Scopus database, 45 publications from 1996 to 2024 were identified and analysed. Key aspects examined include sampling strategies, storage methods, DNA extraction protocols, molecular markers, and the intended applications of faecal DNA. Results: Although lagomorphs are widely studied, only a limited number of investigations used faecal pellets as a DNA source. These focused on 7 genera and 15 species, mainly Lepus (69%) and Sylvilagus (33%). Most studies were conducted in North America (n = 20) and Europe (n = 16), addressing species and individual identification, sexing, hybridisation and methodological validation. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping were the most common applications, respectively, for species determination and individual identification or population-level analyses. Discussion: This review highlights the usefulness of faecal pellets for genetic investigations on this taxon; however, improvements are needed. We prompt for methodological standardisations and for the development of taxon-specific SNP panels that could assure data reproducibility and comparability. We are confident that this review will provide a valuable starting point for future studies and assist researchers starting non-invasive genetic investigations on lagomorph populations.
Introduction The pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) is globally distributed but considered absent in the Mediterranean Sea, with no confirmed sightings to date. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis offers a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly sensitive tool for detecting marine species where direct observation is challenging. Methods An extensive eDNA metabarcoding analysis was conducted on 393 samples collected during the LIFE-CONCEPTU MARIS multidisciplinary monitoring programme (October 2022-October 2024). Mitochondrial 12S-rDNA and 16S-rDNA amplicons were compared with reference databases and with sequences from stranded Kogia individuals from Atlantic regions adjacent to the Mediterranean and from the Mediterranean itself to ensure robust species identification. Results At least five independent detections of K. breviceps were recorded from Gibraltar to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Repeated signals and high read abundance support detection reliability. Spatio-temporal patterns and haplotype diversity suggest the presence of multiple individuals, possible seasonal occurrence, with detections significantly associated with nocturnal sampling. Discussion The study provides the first molecular detection of K. breviceps in the Mediterranean and shows that eDNA is effective in detecting the species, possibly facilitated by the release of DNA-rich defensive fluids characteristic of the genus. The lack of visual records likely reflects limited surface activity and historical exclusion from Mediterranean cetacean check-lists, suggesting that some unidentified small-cetacean sightings may correspond to this species. Synthesis and Recommendations This study highlights the value of integrated molecular, acoustic and visual monitoring and recommends enhancing multidisciplinary monitoring frameworks to better understand the distribution and ecology of this poorly known, rare and elusive species.
Marine mammals have long been affected by human activities. To understand the state of knowledge regarding anthropogenic threats, we systematically mapped peer-reviewed and grey literature on this topic for 19 marine mammal species found in the North Atlantic. Searches in 2022 and 2024 resulted in 3390 relevant documents for review. Relevant records were extracted from each document ( n = 6964 records), and threats were grouped into 13 major classes (e.g., climate change, fisheries, acoustic disturbance). Of the 19 species, bottlenose dolphins had the most records ( n = 1365), and of the threat classes, fisheries had the most records ( n = 2124), with 59% being associated with mortality. Mapping the study locations highlighted how records were unevenly distributed across each IUCN-defined species range. Furthermore, species of conservation concern (i.e., globally assessed by IUCN as ‘Endangered’) often received comparatively little study effort. We highlight the species and threats that have to date received limited attention and discuss the potential reasons for disparities in research effort. Increased efforts to understand and appropriately mitigate threats are critical, given the continued co-existence of marine mammals and human threats in the ‘Anthropocene’.
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has transformed bat research by enabling non-invasive, large-scale and long-term assessment of bat ecology and conservation status. Yet despite its rapid expansion, substantial methodological heterogeneity, pronounced geographic biases and fragmented taxonomic coverage continue to limit global synthesis and constrain the broader ecological and conservation value of PAM. This review aims to: (1) map global geographic patterns and collaboration networks in PAM-based bat research; (2) characterise temporal trends and major developmental phases; and (3) evaluate methodological practices across detector technologies, survey designs, monitoring cycles and data-processing workflows. These objectives collectively provide a basis for identifying knowledge gaps, improving methodological coherence and guiding future monitoring and conservation efforts. We systematically reviewed 935 peer-reviewed studies from 1992 to 2023, compiling associated bibliometric, methodological and thematic metadata. Keyword co-occurrence, thematic clustering, device-use profiles, methodological categorisation and temporal trends were analysed using bibliometric tools and descriptive statistics. Our review revealed strong geographic biases, with PAM research heavily concentrated in a few well-studied regions. Research shifted from early detector-focused work to broader conservation applications. Methodologically, fixed surveys, seasonal sampling and manual call processing remained dominant, though automated tools are increasingly adopted. Research themes were heavily skewed towards movement and identification, with ecosystem-health and disturbance topics markedly underrepresented. PAM research is advancing rapidly but remains geographically uneven and methodologically fragmented. Strengthening standardised yet flexible protocols and expanding capacity in under-represented regions will be essential to fully realise its value for global bat conservation.
Human–wildlife conflicts are rising due to encroachment of human activities into natural areas. While research has often focused on large mammals, negative interactions with small carnivores remain less documented. Among these, otters (Lutrinae), apex predators of freshwater and marine habitats, cause frequent competing interactions with human activities like angling and fish-farming. We aimed to identify which otter species are most commonly involved in human–wildlife conflicts, characterise the types of conflict and explore their geographical and temporal patterns. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature following PRISMA guidelines. From 81 eligible studies reporting empirical cases of otter–human conflicts, we extracted data on species, conflict type and location. A Generalised Mixed-Effects Model was applied to assess temporal trends and the role of human population growth, while accounting for variation in research effort. Conflicts were documented for all otter species except the Congo clawless otter ( Aonyx congicus ). The Eurasian ( Lutra lutra ) and smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata ) dominated conflict-related records. Fisheries-related issues, such as damage to nets and depredation of fish, were the most frequently reported ( n = 76), whereas direct attacks on humans were newly documented but rare ( n = 16). Overall, conflicts increased over time and were positively associated with human population size across otter distributions. Human–otter conflicts are a growing conservation concern. Effective mitigation measures include deterrents, protective fencing, adjustments in fishing practices, financial compensation and interventions addressing human attitudes. Solutions should be tailored to the conflict source and cultural context to foster coexistence and support long-term otter conservation.
Social structure plays a crucial role in shaping the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases within animal populations, yet its influence remains understudied in marine mammals. This review investigates links between marine mammal sociality and disease vulnerability, focusing on social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission. The study aimed to (1) identify patterns in disease transmission, (2) map gaps in current knowledge to inform strategic directions for future investigation and (3) discuss implications for conservation and disease management. Through systematic database searching, 14 studies were identified that investigated social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission in marine mammal social networks. Results show that stronger associations and greater social connectivity increase disease prevalence, although this relationship varied across species. Central individuals acted as ‘super-spreaders’, facilitating disease spread to conspecifics and vaccination efforts targeting these individuals are a recurrent proposed mitigation strategy. At the population level, network fragmentation reduced disease burden, while highly connected subgroups facilitated pathogen transmission. Research is concentrated on few key species, revealing significant gaps in taxonomic and geographic representation. Additionally, studies were geographically biased toward North America and Australia, with limited collaboration across research clusters, highlighting the need for broader representation and interdisciplinary partnerships. These findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches integrating epidemiological modelling, social network analysis and conservation strategies to better predict and mitigate disease risks in marine mammal populations. Future research should expand species coverage and incorporate ecological and environmental variables to develop targeted disease management frameworks.
Introduction: Timing of birth is a major determinant of individuals reproductive success and survival, and is driven by multiple internal and external factors. However, there is currently no quantitative assessment of the extent and support received by the drivers of the phenology of births in mammals. Due to their diverse phenology of births, large herbivores represent an ideal case study to quantify this. Aims: our objective was to identify the different drivers tested for their effect on the phenology of births in large herbivores and how much empirical support they received, as well as determine thematic, taxonomic and spatial gaps in the literature. Methods: We conducted a systematic review focusing on the drivers of the phenology of births in wild large herbivores. We extracted the outcomes of 124 relevant articles and assessed the reliability of their findings using a general index based on the quality of the data and methods used. Results and Discussion: As expected, the two dominant hypotheses (seasonality and predation) received strong support regarding their effect on birth timing and synchrony, respectively. The effect of female, offspring and population characteristics remained marginally accounted for, even though there was evidence of their importance in the determination of the phenology of births. We identified a major research gap in Asian and South and Central American species. Conclusions: We encourage research in these understudied domains, as well as large scale multi-species comparative analyses to fill in the gaps and improve our understanding of reproductive phenology. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Ministère de lEnseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche, https://ror.org/03sjk9a61 Nelson Mandela University, https://ror.org/03r1jm528
Terrestrial and semi‐aquatic mammals are facing increasing threats globally, highlighting the need for reliable data on species' occurrence, distribution, and abundance for effective conservation efforts. However, obtaining reliable and robust information over broad spatial and temporal scales remains a significant challenge. Environmental DNA (eDNA) and invertebrate‐derived DNA (iDNA) applications have emerged as powerful surveying methods, with the potential to revolutionise ecological monitoring by improving species detections and providing better insights into mammalian distribution and diversity. While eDNA relies on genetic material shed by species into their surroundings, iDNA leverages DNA from invertebrates that interact with mammals. Both approaches offer a cost‐effective means to obtain species records and community diversity metrics. This review explores global applications of e/iDNA for surveying terrestrial and semi‐aquatic mammals. By providing a comprehensive overview of the applications, sampling design, challenges, and prospects, this review serves as a guide to researchers and conservationists seeking to use eDNA for mammalian conservation efforts. By evaluating the current state of e/iDNA applications, this review identifies the challenges and milestones that need to be addressed for these methods to become a practical method for monitoring mammals on a global scale. It highlights the need for further research to enhance the sensitivity and reliability of e/iDNA detections, standardisation of methodologies, and validation through comparison with traditional monitoring methods. This review sheds light on the potential of e/iDNA as valuable tools for aiding mammal conservation and inspiring future research and advancements in this field.
