Trapping small mammals for research and management: how many die and why?

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Lemckert ◽  
T. Brassil ◽  
R. Kavanagh ◽  
B. Law
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Weather Extremes ◽  
Specific Level ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Mammal Conservation ◽  
Trap Mortality ◽  
Wire Cage

Trapping programs are an essential part of mammal conservation and management, but trapping carries a risk of death for the study animals. Little information is available on mortality levels and its potential to influence studies. We examined the mortality levels recorded during 68 wildlife surveys within New South Wales, recording mortality rates associated with Elliott aluminium box and wire cage trapping for terrestrial mammals and harp traps for bats. We noted 232 deaths from 13623 small ground mammal captures in box traps, one death from 459 mammal captures in wire cage traps, and 44 deaths from 12,274 bat captures in harp traps. Mortality ranged from 0-13.3%, 0-0.6% and 0-9.1% of captures for box, cage and harp traps, respectively. No deaths were reported for 47% of surveys. Antechinus spp. comprised almost 95% of all trap deaths. Thirteen surveys provided detailed information for small ground mammal trapping, recording 111 deaths from 3651 small mammal captures. Box trap mortality in these surveys ranged from 0-7.5%, deaths being attributed to cold temperatures (generally winter) and multiple captures of individuals. Harp trap mortality stemmed from overheating, overcrowding and predation. Post-capture handling also contributed to mortality. No specific level of trap death can be ?expected? during a study as circumstances vary, but all efforts should be made to minimise the risk of deaths. This study found that mortality above 4% is unusual, resulting mainly from one-off ?extreme? mortality events. Minimising unnecessary recaptures and avoiding weather extremes should reduce mortality of small mammals during trapping studies, but will not prevent all deaths.

Powerline Easements: Do They Promote Edge Effects in Eucalypt Forest for Small Mammals?

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
Robert J. Whelan
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Edge Effects ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Eucalypt Forest ◽  
Hair Sampling ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Antechinus Stuartii

The distribution and abundance of small terrestrial mammals were assessed in forest adjacent to powerline easements at three different sites in New South Wales. At each site, four transects of 300 m length extended into the forest from the edge of the easement. The abundances of two native species (Antechinus stuartii, Rattus fuscipes) did not differ significantly with distance from the easement but abundances differed markedly among sites. Mammals were captured in only one easement where dense vegetation was present. Feral carnivores, which may mediate edge effects on small mammals, were surveyed by using hair-sampling tubes. Cats and dogs were detected only 50–200 m inside the forest. Foxes were not detected by hair-tubes but were observed on two easements. These results suggest that powerline easements may not create edge effects in eucalypt forest for some native mammal species, although further studies are needed to determine the generality of this conclusion. We recommend that easement management should be more benign to native mammals, given the ubiquity of this form of habitat fragmentation. Promotion of dense vegetative cover and habitat linkages within easements could achieve this.

Effects of logging and fire on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest, near Bega, New South Wales

1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Lunney ◽  
B. Cullis ◽  
P. Eby
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
First Year ◽  
Severe Effect ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Antechinus Stuartii ◽  
Rattus Fuscipes

This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscipes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in low numbers, appeared to prefer forest with sparse ground cover, and showed no immediate response to logging or fire; its disappearance by the third year post-fire suggests that regenerating forest is inimical to the survival of this species. Mus musculus showed no response to logging. In the first year following the fire its numbers were still very low, but in the next year there was a short-lived plague which coincided with the only respite in the 3-year drought and, importantly, occurred in the intensely burnt parts of the forest. The options for managing this forest for the conservation of small mammals include minimising fire, retaining unlogged forest, extending the time over which alternate coupes are logged and minimising disturbance from heavy machinery.

scholarly journals Medium and large-sized mammals of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú, Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Israel Dias de Carvalho ◽  
Rildo de Oliveira ◽  
Alexandra dos Santos Pires
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Mammal Conservation ◽  
Pecari Tajacu ◽  
Local Extinctions ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
Janeiro State

Medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals develop important functions in ecosystems maintenance. However, this group is the most vulnerable to local extinctions, through habitat loss or hunting. This study inventoried the community of medium and large mammals in the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú (REGUA), Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ, providing data on species composition, richness and abundance. Species were registered through the use of camera traps, sign survey and visual encounters on pre-existing trails and roads. The study was conducted from January to October 2012, with each month considered as a sample unit. An effort of 1568 cameras-day and 120 km traveled, resulted on 302 records of 22 species of medium and large-sized mammals, belonging to eight orders. This value corresponds to more than three-quarters of the richness described from this group in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state. Five species are under some level of regional, national or global threat. Three game species, Pecari tajacu, Cuniculus paca and Dasyprocta leporina were abundant in the area. The observed richness was comparable to that found in other studies conducted in rain forests. Thus, for its high number of species, including those under some degree of threat, we conclude that REGUA is an important area to mammal conservation, especially in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state.

Surveys of Arboreal and Terrestrial Mammals in The Montane Forests of Queanbeyan, New South Wales.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
R. Goldingay ◽  
G. Daly
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Moist Forest ◽  
Logged Forest

Surveys of arboreal and terrestrial mammals were conducted across four State Forests in south-east New South Wales encompassing 80 000 ha. Methods used included spotlighting, Elliott trapping, pitfall trapping, hair-tubing and predator scat analysis. The survey included a plot-based approach and the targeting of areas containing the potential habitat of endangered species. Seven species of arboreal marsupial were detected during spotlighting. The greater glider (Petauroides volans) was significantly more abundant in moist forest compared to dry forest. Its density in moist forest was twice as high in unlogged compared to logged forest and is equivalent to the highest recorded in any forest in NSW. Other arboreal species were less abundant. The yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis), which is Threatened in NSW, was detected at only two sites despite the occurrence of suitable habitat throughout the study area. Eight species of native terrestrial mammals were detected. The tiger quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), which is Threatened in NSW, appears to be more common in the southern part of the study area adjoining large areas of National Park, than in other State Forests of south-east NSW. Continued analysis of predator scats is required to determine whether several other species of Threatened terrestrial mammal occur in these forests.

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 Reversed sexual dimorphism and altered prey base: the effect on sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) diet

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan J. Bilney ◽  
John G. White ◽  
Raylene Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Mammal Conservation ◽  
Reversed Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
And Function

The ecology and function of many Australian predators has likely been disrupted following major changes in prey base due to declines in distribution and abundance of small mammals following European settlement. This study investigated various aspects of the dietary ecology of sooty owls (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa), including sexual variation as they potentially exhibit the greatest degree of reversed sexual dimorphism of any owl species worldwide. Sooty owls are highly opportunistic predators of non-volant small mammals, consuming most species known to exist in the region, so their diet fluctuates seasonally and spatially due to varying prey availability, and is particularly influenced by the breeding cycles of prey. Significant intersexual dietary differences existed with female sooty owls predominantly consuming much larger prey items than males, with dietary overlap at 0.62. The current reliance on relatively few native mammalian species is of conservation concern, especially when mammal declines are unlikely to have ceased as many threatening processes still persist in the landscape. Sooty owl conservation appears inextricably linked with small mammal conservation. Conservation efforts should be focussed towards improving prey densities and prey habitat, primarily by implementing control programs for feral predators and preventing the loss of hollow-bearing trees throughout the landscape.

Native small mammals and reptiles in cropped and uncropped parts of lakebeds in semi-arid Australia

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 629 ◽  
Author(s):  
SV Biggs
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Habitat Requirements ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Semi Arid

Small mammals and reptiles were surveyed by trapping in uncropped and cropped parts of two dry lakebeds in semi-arid New South Wales, Australia, in spring 1992 and 1993. Four species of native small mammals (18 individuals) were captured in uncropped parts of the lakebeds, compared with two individuals of one species in cropped parts of the lakebeds. A total of 38 reptiles (seven species) was caught at the uncropped sites compared with 10 individuals (four species) at the cropped sites. Small mammals were absent where the soil was scarified and bare between crop cycles. The habitat requirements of small mammals (particularly Planigale gilesi) and reptiles need to be provided for when cropping lakebeds. The most effective way to do this is to leave wide strips of uncropped soil at the edges of lakebeds, and patches of uncropped country that are connected to the strips, on lakebeds.

scholarly journals Which species of small mammals tolerate highly urbanized areas – the study in Warsaw agglomeration and surroundings

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-13
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Lesiński ◽  
Jakub Gryz ◽  
Dagny Krauze-Gryz
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Local Fauna ◽  
Tawny Owl ◽  
Arvicola Amphibius ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Reverse Pattern ◽  
Mustela Nivalis ◽  
The City ◽  
Neomys Fodiens

The degree of penetration of urban habitats by small terrestrial mammals was studied in Warsaw agglomeration and in adjacent areas up to 50 km from the city centre. Study material consisted of pellets of the tawny owl Strix aluco collected in 85 sites, which contained 15,152 remains of individuals of small mammals. The species that penetrated city agglomeration most intensively were: Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus, Talpa europaea, Rattus norvegicus and Microtus subterraneus. Most central sites of these species were situated 1.3–2.3 km from the city centre. Microtus agrestis, Mustela nivalis, Arvicola amphibius, Neomys fodiens, Muscardinus avellanarius and Sicista betulina showed the lowest degree of penetration of an urban agglomeration (sites closest to the city centre: 8.2, 8.6, 8.6, 11.2, 17.8 and 20.2 km, respectively). Species, whose share among the owls’ prey decreased most with the distance from the city centre, were: A. agrarius and T. europaea. The reverse pattern was found for M. agrestis and M. avellanarius. Small terrestrial mammals are sensitive to the proceeding urbanization and the central part of Warsaw agglomeration is penetrated by only 1/3 of species of the local fauna.

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