 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mammals |
|
The following trapping techniques are used with various mammal groups: pitfall traps Pitfall traps Description: small to medium size hole dug into the ground and plastic bucket placed in the hole. A drift-fence (variable height and length) is placed on the ground to intersect with the bucket and guide animals into it. Cage traps Description: collapsible rectangular trap with one or two trap doors. Placed on ground and commonly baited with fruit or peanut butter and rolled oates, but may be placed in trees and baited with avariety of foods that may be preferred by target species. Elliott traps Description: collapsible aluminium trap into which the animal is lured with food bait. Usually baited with mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats. Comes in a range of different sizes. Hair tubes Description: passive method that comes in a number of different designs. Usually a PVC tube with adhesive tape inside which collects hairs as animals brush against it. Requires reference collection of hairs from positively identified species. The diameter varies depending on size of target species. Description: fine, lightweight nylon mesh strung between two poles in which bats become entangled during flight. Often strung close to water holes and across creeks at dusk to catch bats as they come to drink. The fine nature of the nylon mesh avoids detection by bat's echolocation, therefore some bats fly into the net and become entangled. It is very important to remove captured individuals as quickly as possible to decrease stress and the risk of injury. Description: large, aluminum framed, collapsible bat trap that is designed to intercept bats in flight. Placed along flight paths (creeks and tracks) for small insectivorous bats. The trap has two vertical banks of nylon lines, supported on two sets of adjustable legs. A bat collecting bag is placed at the bottom of the vertical lines. Advantage of this method is the trap can be left overnight. Echolocation Description: electronic devices that can permanently record the signals of bats for computer analysis (such as the AnaBat) either in the field or later in the laboratory. Its function is to convert the ultrasonic echolocation signals of bats into audible electronic signals that can be recorded and processed to assist in identification of the species. These bat detectors can be used in one hand, allowing control of a tape recorder, the addition of commentaries, and calibration tones. A large amount of processing time is involved after data collection if quantitative data is required. Tracks and Scats Description: if you don't actually catch or see the animal, it may still be possible to know what it was. Signs of the animal's presence such as footprints or scats can be accurately interpreted. Bones, teeth and skulls can be used as well to positively identify species. The field guide by Triggs (1993) is very helpful in identifying such remains. Spotlighting Description: common method involving either a timed active search in specified area or more general search over a wider area. Habitats that are more structurally complex (e.g. rainforest and rocky escarpments) require more effort due to the greater number of places an animal may use. Eye shine is commonly detected but not always. |
|
|
