Options for shorebird-exclusion devices for pitfall traps on sandy shores

摘要: Abstract Context Pitfall trapping is a standard technique for indexing surface active invertebrates on beaches, and underpins the study of sandy shore ecology. However, pitfall traps may pose risk to flightless young beach-nesting birds, which fall into such potentially die. Aim The aim present was compare captured in with those fitted one three potential shorebird exclusion devices. Ideally, devices would perform similarly (to enable inter-study comparability) detect ecological gradients, as evident invertebrate assemblages between beach foredune. Methods A systematic array deployed, using 64 four types: types bird-exclusion (a mesh cover, fence around rim low roof); trap no device. were stratified across two habitat (upper foredune) simultaneously deployed control environmental other variables. Results Each type broadly comparable terms assemblage recorded, exceptions: (1) there slightly lower species diversity than roofed traps; (2) differed fenced traps, former more isopods amphipods. No from all differentiated an gradient Thus, any design option we tested met our criteria. Conclusions implications shows that need not compromise performance, comparability or utility.