Hannah Swain-Menzel Amanda E. Rosenberger Auburn Velasquez Robert T. Paine 2025 <p><span>Using environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance methods, we report the first evidence of the persistence of the Chucky Madtom (<i>Noturus crypticus</i>) in Little Chucky Creek, Tennessee, which has been absent from conventional surveys since 2004, and in Dunn Creek, Tennessee, where it was last collected in 1940. This highlights the utility of eDNA for detecting cryptic, rare fish species that may persist at extremely low population densities when conventional surveys fail, as well as its effectiveness as a contemporary tool to guide targeted conventional sampling efforts; however, it is not intended to replace the ‘in hand’ detection of the species.</span></p> application/pdf 10.3996/css69379551 en U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service O Romeo! Environmental DNA could prevent a tragedy for the elusive Chucky Madtom (Noturus crypticus) reports