A Note on the Novel Passive Sampling in Environmental <scp>DNA</scp> ( <scp>eDNA</scp> ) Collection Technique to Detect Yellow Mud Turtle ( <scp> <i>Kinosternon flavescens</i> </scp> ): Field and Laboratory Approaches in Turtle <scp>eDNA</scp>

ABSTRACT Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful and sensitive method for monitoring aquatic and terrestrial organisms, offering insights into their distribution. Usually, eDNA is collected using a filter membrane through water filtration. However, the passive eDNA method can simplify sampling and broaden its scope, offering new insights for ecological surveillance. This study examined the efficacy of six different membrane filters in detecting the yellow mud turtle ( Kinosternon flavescens ) through a novel passive eDNA method. After being immersed in water for 12 h, only the mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter consistently demonstrated specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using gel electrophoretic and Sanger sequencing, indicating the presence of eDNA from the yellow mud turtle. Yellow mud turtles were detected in fall sampling using MCE filters; however, they were not detected in winter, despite multiple attempts at passive sampling. The observed changes in eDNA detection are likely due to several factors including the turtles' overwintering behavior and varying environmental conditions. Our findings highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate membrane filters and considering seasonal dynamics when designing passive eDNA monitoring systems for turtles. Notably, the information in this study can help make eDNA‐based surveys in aquatic environments more reliable, leading to better conservation and management approaches for aquatic organisms.