A comparison of the effectiveness of camera trapping and live trapping for sampling terrestrial small-mammal communities

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha De Bondi ◽  
John G. White ◽  
Mike Stevens ◽  
Raylene Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
The Cost

Context. There is an increasing reliance on the use of camera-trap technologies for surveys of medium to large terrestrial mammals. Camera trapping may, however, also have significant applications for broad-scale surveys of small mammals. Aims. The present study aims to compare results from camera-trapping surveys to those of the more traditional live-trapping techniques. Specifically, it aims to test the effectiveness of the techniques for detecting species, and the cost effectiveness of both approaches. Methods. Surveys were conducted across 36 sites in the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia, between April and July 2009. At each site, independent surveys were conducted for small mammals by using a combination of Elliot and cage trapping, then camera trapping. Results for the two different approaches were compared for both their ability to generate small-mammal presence data and their cost effectiveness. Key results. Camera-trapping surveys of 36 sites in the Grampians National Park compared favourably with those of live-trapping surveys. Similar species were detected across the sites, and camera trapping was a considerably more cost effective than live trapping. Conclusions. Camera-trapping surveys of small terrestrial mammals may provide a new and cost-effective technique for surveying terrestrial small mammals. This is particularly the case when presence data are the main requirement of the survey, with no requirement to capture and tag animals. Implications. Given the cost-effective nature of camera trapping, there is potential to use this approach to increase the level of replication and spatial coverage of small-mammal surveys. Improving the replication and spatial coverage of studies has the potential to significantly increase the scope of research questions that can be asked, thus providing the potential to improve wildlife management.

scholarly journals The Effect of Fire on Bird and Small Mammal Communities in the Grasslands of Wind Cave National Park

1983 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 95-99
Author(s):  
Jon Forde ◽  
Norman Sloan
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Small Mammal Communities ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Mammal Communities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Prairie Vegetation

Specifically, the objectives of this research project were to: 1) Census burned and unburned grassland areas for breeding populations of birds and small mammals. Population censuses have been made on areas prescribed burned between 1973 and 1978 as well as the areas burned in the spring of 1981; 2) Analyze study transect vegetation to determine the impact of burning treatments on prairie vegetation and its relationship to bird and small mammal densities; 3) Provide usable management recommendations that will aid not only in vegetation maintenance but also with the animal populations associated with the grasslands.

scholarly journals Small mammals from Miri, northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: note on new locality records

Check List ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nursyafiqah Shazali ◽  
Sultana Parvin Habeebur Rahman ◽  
Nurul Farah Diyana Ahmad Tahir ◽  
Rafik Murni ◽  
Nurshilawati Abdul Latip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Northeastern Region ◽  
First Time ◽  
Mammal Diversity ◽  
Malaysian Borneo

Small mammal surveys were conducted at Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri Division, in the northeastern region of Sarawak, using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The main objective of these surveys was to assess small mammal diversity in the northeastern region of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park recorded the highest diversity of small mammals with 29 species, followed by Niah National Park with 19 species, and Lambir Hills National Park, 17 species. These surveys revealed nine new locality records for Miri, including eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla and Myotis muricola)and a squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei). Megaerops wetmorei is also reported for the first time in Sarawak.

scholarly journals Can camera trapping provide accurate estimates of small mammal ( Myodes rutilus and Peromyscus maniculatus ) density in the boreal forest?

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Villette ◽  
Charles J. Krebs ◽  
Thomas S. Jung ◽  
Rudy Boonstra
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Hit Rate ◽  
Myodes Rutilus ◽  
Feasible Alternative

Abstract Estimating population densities of small mammals (< 100g) has typically been carried out by intensive livetrapping, but this technique may be stressful to animals and the effort required is considerable. Here, we used camera traps to detect small mammal presence and assessed if this provided a feasible alternative to livetrapping for density estimation. During 2010–2012, we used camera trapping in conjunction with mark–recapture livetrapping to estimate the density of northern red-backed voles ( Myodes rutilus ) and deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) in the boreal forest of Yukon, Canada. Densities for these 2 species ranged from 0.29 to 9.21 animals/ha and 0 to 5.90 animals/ha, respectively, over the course of this investigation. We determined if hit window—the length of time used to group consecutive videos together as single detections or “hits”—has an effect on the correlation between hit rate and population density. The relationship between hit rate and density was sensitive to hit window duration for Myodes with R2 values ranging from 0.45 to 0.59, with a 90-min hit window generating the highest value. This relationship was not sensitive to hit window duration for Peromyscus , with R2 values for the tested hit windows ranging from 0.81 to 0.84. Our results indicate that camera trapping may be a robust method for estimating density of small rodents in the boreal forest when the appropriate hit window duration is selected and that camera traps may be a useful tool for the study of small mammals in boreal forest habitat.

Ecology of mites (Acarina) on small mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) in Podunajská nížina plain

Biologia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuzana Poláčiková
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Ecological Evaluation ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Mite Communities ◽  
Small Mammal Species

AbstractThis study deals with the species distribution and structure of mite communities living in the fur of small mammals. Mesostigmatic mites (Acarina: Mesostigmata) of several small mammal species were studied at several sites of Slovakia situated in the Podunajská nížna lowland. The aims deal with ecological evaluation of mesostigmatic mites and their small mammal hosts. The research was done from 2005 to 2007. Several small mammal species were caught at 16 sites in the research area. These represent 13 types of biotopes. On the captured small mammals we recorded 3,141 individuals of mesostigmatic mites (7 families and 22 species). The dominance and the diversity of the recorded mites were analysed. Mites being interpreted as the variable one were evaluated by cluster analysis and multifactor analysis (detrended correspondence analysis, principal components analysis, redundancy analysis). Small terrestrial mammals as hosts of mites represent “holders” of environmental factors, in the analysis they are being evaluated as explanatory variable mainly. They transform direct impact of the environment and for that reason the ecological evaluation of mites is specific comparing to other taxonomical and ecological groups of animals.

scholarly journals Camera-trapping survey to assess diversity, distribution and photographic capture rate of terrestrial mammals in the aftermath of the ethnopolitical conflict in Manas National Park, Assam, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 12008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipankar Lahkar ◽  
M. Firoz Ahmed ◽  
Ramie H. Begum ◽  
Sunit Kumar Das ◽  
Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Capture Rate ◽  
Political Conflict ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Independent Events ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Capture Rates

 Information on the presence and distribution of species is crucial for conservation planning and management within a region.  Documentation of species assemblages in Manas National Park (MNP) in the aftermath of conflict is critical for informed conservation interventions.  For nearly two decades (1990–2010), conservation efforts in MNP were compromised by ethno−political conflict.  We conducted camera trapping surveys of terrestrial mammals across three administrative forest ranges (Panbari, Bansbari and Bhuyanpara) of MNP in 2017.  A systematic survey with 118 trap locations accumulated data over 6,173 trap-days.  We obtained 21,926 photographs of mammals belonging to 13 families and 25 species, of which 13 are threatened.  We calculated photographic capture rate index (PCRI) using independent events.  Trap specific PCRI’s were used to map the spatial variation in capture rates.  We observed variation in capture rate between Bansbari-Bhuyanpara where conflict ended in 2003 and has remained peaceful, and Panbari, a forest range where conflict ended later in 2016.  Our results further indicate lower capture rates of mammalian prey species and small felids, but higher capture rates of four large carnivores in Panbari as opposed to Bansbari-Bhuyanpara.  These results highlighted the fact that despite a history of ethno-political conflict in the region, although almost all mammalian species expected to occur in the park were detected and confirmed, present evidence indicated ethno-political conflict influences the distribution of several key species.  In depth studies assessing mammalian prey densities, distribution and density are required to further understand the effects of conflict. 

scholarly journals Giardia and Other Parasites of Small Mammals in Grand Teton National Park

1989 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 125-127
Author(s):  
William O'Dell ◽  
Raychel Watkins ◽  
Aelita Pinter
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Microtus Spp

The objectives of this study are to document the effects of parasitism on vole (Microtus spp.) population dynamics and to determine the potential of small mammals in Grand Teton National Park to serve as reservoirs of human parasites. Immediate goals for 1989 were to (1) continue the documentation of the incidence and prevalence of small mammal parasites, (2) determine the age at which Giardia infections are contracted by the Microtus host, (3) identify ticks associated with small mammals, and (4) survey small mammals for Babesia infections.

scholarly journals Records of seven small mammal species (Insectivora, Chiroptera) new to the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. L Rautenbach ◽  
G De Graaff ◽  
U De V Pienaar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Collecting Expedition ◽  
The Republic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Small Mammal Species

On a recent collecting expedition in the Kruger National Park, the occurrence of seven species of small mammals (one shrew and six bats) within the confines of this sanctuary was confirmed for the first time. One species (Pipistrellus rusticus) is reported for the first time from within the borders of the Transvaal, whereas another species (Myotis bocagei) is reported for the first time for the Republic of South Africa. The seven species are briefly discussed and the collections where the specimens have been accessioned are indicated.

Can camera trapping be used to accurately survey and monitor the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis)?

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Meek ◽  
Karl Vernes
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Common Element ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Wide Range

Camera trapping is increasingly recognised as a survey tool akin to conventional small mammal survey methods such as Elliott trapping. While there are many cost and resource advantages of using camera traps, their adoption should not compromise scientific rigour. Rodents are a common element of most small mammal surveys. In 2010 we deployed camera traps to measure whether the endangered Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) could be detected and identified with an acceptable level of precision by camera traps when similar-looking sympatric small mammals were present. A comparison of three camera trap models revealed that camera traps can detect a wide range of small mammals, although white flash colour photography was necessary to capture characteristic features of morphology. However, the accurate identification of some small mammals, including P. oralis, was problematic; we conclude therefore that camera traps alone are not appropriate for P. oralis surveys, even though they might at times successfully detect them. We discuss the need for refinement of the methodology, further testing of camera trap technology, and the development of computer-assisted techniques to overcome problems associated with accurate species identification.

scholarly journals Bait Preferences and Population Status of Small Mammals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2013 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander V. Kumar ◽  
Donald W. Linzey ◽  
Charles R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Great Smoky Mountains ◽  
European Wild Boar ◽  
Mustela Nivalis ◽  
Smoky Mountains

Abstract Small mammal bait preferences and population status were studied in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer of 2010. The possible occurrence of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) in the Park was also assessed. Traps baited with peanut butter caught significantly more small mammals than empty traps or traps baited with potted meat. The overall number of small mammals caught was significantly less than in an extensive study in the Park during 1999–2003, although the effort (measured as trap-nights) for the two studies was similar. A drought that occurred between the two studies and/or the relatively recent appearances of the coyote (Canis latrans) and European wild boar (Sus scrofa) may have contributed to the significantly lower numbers of small mammals caught. Implications of climate change for small mammal populations are discussed. M. nivalis was not trapped during the study. Future, more intensive studies are recommended to explore thoroughly the possibility of M. nivalis inhabiting the Park and the effects of C. latrans and S. scrofa on small mammal populations within the park.

scholarly journals Small Mammal Communities After Two Recent Natural Fires in Yellowstone National Park

1979 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 128-132
Author(s):  
R. Moore ◽  
M. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Yellowstone National Park ◽  
National Park ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Fire Policy ◽  
Natural Fires ◽  
Wilderness Areas ◽  
Small Mammal Communities ◽  
Mammal Communities

As part of the National Park Service's goal of maintaining an area in as natural condition as possible, Yellowstone National Park in 1972 developed a fire policy whereby natural fires were allowed to burn in wilderness areas of the park. Several investigators have studied the relationship between small mammals and fire due to timber management practices (Gashwiler, 1970 and Tevis, 1956) but few studies have investigated the changes in abundance and composition of species of small mammals after recent natural fires (Bendell 1974). The purpose of this ongoing study is to quantify the effects that recent natural fires have had upon small mammal communities. Two burn sites were studies, the Divide fire which burned in 1976 on the south arm of Yellowstone Lake, and the Trail Creek Fire which burned in 1974 on the southeast arm of the lake.

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