Defining the current distribution of the imperiled Black-spotted Newt across south Texas, USA

The Black-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus meridionalis) is a chronically understudied salamander species, with many aspects of its natural history, ecology, and distribution poorly known. Previous studies using traditional methodologies have had limited success documenting N. meridionalis on the landscape, detecting individuals at 6% (7 114) 1% (2 221) sites surveyed. A novel environmental DNA (eDNA) assay was designed implemented goals assessing current across south Texas, USA, better understanding conditions for positive eDNA detections. We conducted sampling surveys 80 throughout Texas. Notophthalmus detected 12 localities in total: four surveys, methods, both methodologies. detections were obtained from five counties, including one where has never been reported another not observed since 1930s. all seasons, generally following moderate to heavy rainfall events. Our results support increased use detect rare cryptic amphibians understand this imperiled species.