Fur snagging as a method of evaluating the presence and abundance of a small carnivore, the pine marten (Martes martes)

摘要: The pine marten Martes martes was once considered one of Ireland's rarest carnivores, but is now recolonizing many the areas where it extirpated. It important to monitor its population expansion so that conservation management decisions can be made regarding status this species. In study, we investigate use fur snagging devices as a method estimating presence and abundance in lowland upland broadleaf woodland. We investigated whether these reliably detected presence, how quickly. found hair traps functioned very well detecting martens on all survey transects essential their detection most isolated site. A length 6 days sufficient detect sites, with detections occurring within first 4 days. equally scat location for had added advantage there being no confusion origin sample. Live trapping used verify estimates relative from traps. There trend number samples per site times animals were trapped positively correlated, although not significant. Hair do provide real alternative monitoring both woodlands, overcoming disadvantages associated location.