Efficacy of a Multiple-Capture Live Trap for Small Mammals

摘要: We compared the efficacy of Victor® Tin Cat® and Sherman live traps for capturing small mammals in northern hardwood red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands north-central Upper Peninsula Michigan during 2001. Overall mean capture rates (total captures/100 adjusted trap nights) by habitat were greater (P 25 m; blocks >25 m from edge. All placed “most likely runway” positions, baited with rolled oats peanut butter, rebaited as necessary. Prebaiting was not conducted. Cotton to provide bedding. Traps set initially morning checked 3 times each day 4 days, resulting 100 20 unadjusted nights/block Cat traps, respectively. Individuals captured identified species released at their respective sites. followed animal care use guidelines outlined American Society Mammalogists (1987). To standardize trapping effort, that sprung using 0.5 time intervals (that is, nights; Belant 1992; Beauvais Buskirk 1999). allowed multiple captures unless disturbed or missing. calculated number captures/ nights type both habitats. also excluding sciurids (red squirrel [Tamiasciurus hudsonicus], eastern chipmunk [T. striatus], least [Eutamius sciurus]), these too large enter traps. OHIO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 17 J. L. BELANT AND S. K. WINDELS FIGURE 1. (top) (bottom) used trials, Michigan, July Because unequal variances, we Wilcoxon rank sum tests (Zar 1984) compare scores between types PROC NPAR1WAY (SAS Institute Inc. 1990). Means are reported +1.0 standard error; statistical significance established P <0.050. Species Richness, Shannon-Weiner, Simpson’s indices diversity (Colinvaux 1986; Kirkland Richness (S) is a measure documented capture. The Shannon-Weiner index (H') measures probability selecting identity an individual taken sample random equation: