Eastern Pine Snake eDNA Detection Assay and Validation Data

A novel eDNA assay provides a noninvasive tool for detecting the secretive eastern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), a species of conservation concern. The dataset includes a quantitative PCR (qPCR) and end-point PCR assay validated for specificity and sensitivity using DNA from tissues, shed skins, and soil samples. The research was authored by Peyton G. Kinavey and last updated on 2026-04-29.

Use Cases

• Validate species-specific primers for the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene region based on the described assay.
• Complement traditional survey techniques like camera traps and visual surveys based on the eDNA methodology.
• Detect the presence of eastern pine snakes from soil samples based on the field application described.
• Assay sensitivity and specificity testing against heterospecific species DNA as described in the validation process.

Strengths

• Assay validated for specificity and sensitivity against heterospecific species DNA.
• Provides a noninvasive detection method complementing traditional survey techniques.
• Primer set targets the specific ND4 gene region for the eastern pine snake.
• Dataset is openly available under a CC-BY-4.0 license.

Limitations

• The dataset is a 1011.2 KB PDF document; the underlying raw data files are not directly accessible.
• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Geographic coverage is limited to the southeastern United States where the snake occurs.

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; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Southeastern United States