A live trap and trapping technique for subterranean zokors (Rodentia)

Ecological and behavioural studies of subterranean animals are challenging because their subterranean lifestyle make direct observations difficult. Effective live trapping without causing injuries to an animal and handling of captured individuals are crucial for ecological and behavioural studies. In this paper, we report the design and structure of a live trap and trapping technique for zokors. The trap is made up of a stainless steel cage with a gate, a trigger and a GSM/GPRS module, and it is installed in the tunnel of a fossorial rodent (

Microclimate in two types of rat cages

The microclimate in two types of rat cages (a Makrolon type IV with a solid floor and a stainless steel cage with a wire mesh floor (five rats per cage)) placed in the same macroenvironment was compared. The temperature, relative humidity and ammonia concentration in the cages were measured twice a day for 8 days. The cages were cleaned every 4 days. The greatest difference between the cage types was in the ammonia build-up. In Makrolon cages the ammonia concentration never reached 5 ppm, whereas in steel cages it showed a constant increase and already exceeded the threshold limit for man (25 ppm for 8 h per day) on the third day after cleaning.

Design of cages and diet for metabolic studies using small new world primates

Metabolic studies using monkeys are difficult. Some of the problems involved are discussed. A stainless-steel cage unit, suitable for metabolic studies using small New World monkeys, is described. The composition and method of preparation of an appropriate pelleted, semi-synthetic diet is also described.