Assessing capture success of small mammals due to trap orientation in field–forest edge habitat

Authors

  • Daniel M. Wolcott Ecological Research Center, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152
  • Madison R. Ackerman Ecological Research Center, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152
  • Michael L. Kennedy Ecological Research Center, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v128i2.1585

Keywords:

capture success, edge habitat, Sherman live trap, small mammal monitoring, trap success, trap susceptibility, trap orientation

Abstract

The prediction that trap orientation would not affect the likelihood of capturing small, non-volant mammals in field–forest edge habitat was tested during late May and early June 2010 at 3 locations in western Tennessee. Traps were placed in pairs along transects in edge habitats with the orientation of one trap facing outward, toward the field, and the other oriented inward, toward the forest. Results reflected no differential capture success due to trap orientation among ages, sexes, species, or locations. This finding should facilitate the inventorying and monitoring of small mammals in an abundant and potentially species-rich habitat type found in many terrestrial regions.

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Published

2014-07-06

Issue

Vol. 128 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Notes

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