Measuring pollinator populations using environmental DNA and net-derived observations within an integrated occupancy modelling framework

Net-derived surveys can be combined within an integrated occupancy modelling framework for sensitive, species-level inference. By requiring minimal in-field collection time, eDNA methods can considerably improve the statistical power of traditional field survey campaigns. This was particularly apparent for three at-risk species within the region, B. affinis, B. terricola and B. pensylvanicus, where eDNA more than doubled the number of detections achieved within the survey period for each species. In addition to discussing the utility of occupancy modelling within the context of Bombus monitoring, we speculate on potential pitfalls which can be encountered, providing guidance for future decision-making on study design and statistical approach.