Trap distance affects the efficiency and robustness in monitoring the abundance and composition of forest-floor rodents

摘要: Intensive monitoring of multiple taxonomic groups is essential to understand ecosystem structure and function. In such studies, plant ecologists desire monitor animal communities as efficiently possible. We examined the efficiency two trapping methods with different trap distances total areas for forest-floor rodent communities. especially targeted endemic, terrestrial, semi-arboreal species dominating in forests throughout Japan. The long-distance (25 m) short-distance (10 m) assumed less than more one per female territory, respectively. Irrespective species, capture tended be higher method. Recapture probabilities were similar method 2013. Observed densities both relatively estimated based on 2011. contrast, observed lower underestimated when only terrestrial traps used. From these results, we propose that can estimate community composition researchers plan a small-effort study short time small area. will allow population robustly, taking large effort 3- 4-day session Our results also suggest using arboreal improve estimation.