Eastern Pine Snake eDNA Detection Assay and Validation Data

Southeastern United States soil samples were used to validate a novel environmental DNA assay for detecting the eastern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus). The dataset, authored by Peyton G. Kinavey and last updated in April 2026, includes a 677.9 KB PDF describing the development and validation of species-specific qPCR and end-point PCR primers targeting the ND4 gene region.

Use Cases

• Validate a species-specific eDNA detection assay based on the described ND4 gene primers.
• Complement traditional snake survey methods like camera traps based on the described soil eDNA application.
• Assess assay specificity and sensitivity for the eastern pine snake based on the described validation against heterospecific DNA.

Strengths

• The assay was validated for specificity and sensitivity against DNA from heterospecific species.
• The method provides a non-invasive tool for detecting a species of conservation concern.
• The dataset is openly available under a CC-BY-4.0 license.

Limitations

• The dataset is a 677.9 KB PDF; the underlying raw data files and column-level documentation are not provided.
• Row count and sample size for the validation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Freshness should be verified as the last update is dated 2026-04-29.

Provenance

Source

figshare

Collection Method

Primer development and validation using qPCR and end-point PCR on tissue, shed skin, and soil eDNA samples.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-29 05:58:30.

Geography

Southeastern United States