Monitoring of the Miller’s water shrew (Neomys milleri Mottaz, 1907)

This paper presents a concise overview of the biology, ecology, distribution, and threats to the Miller’s water shrew (Neomys milleri) and proposes a comprehensive monitoring framework for this protected semi-aquatic mammal species. Despite its relatively wide geographical range, N. milleri remains poorly studied, and data on its population size and distribution in Poland are fragmentary, limiting effective conservation planning. The proposed monitoring scheme is based on three complementary methods: Longworth live trapping, camera trapping, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis of water and sediment samples collected from potential habitats. The integration of these approaches enables reliable detection of the species while minimizing stress associated with direct capture. The proposed framework may be applied both in scientific research and practical conservation, contributing to improved knowledge of Neomys milleri distribution and supporting the development of effective protection strategies.