Trap type and positioning: how to trap Savi’s pine voles using the tunnel system

摘要: Savi’s pine vole, Microtus savii, is the most widespread Italian vole species, an important rodent pest in agriculture and yet one of least studied species. One reasons for this gap knowledge that members species are quite difficult to capture with standard trapping procedures, being fossorial rarely active aboveground. For reason, we developed a protocol maximizes success. This method requires identification tunnel holes placement traps directly front exits. We also compared recapture rates voles three different trap types: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Longworth Ugglan. If properly equipped food nesting material, INRA, Ugglan showed similar rates, but rate was highest kinds traps. These results, combination species’ social habits, lead us conclude best suited studies on voles. Our results may have implications planning implementing management strategies based rather than rodenticides, as well field other small mammals.