FieldEco FieldEco

Traps Survey

Deploy and monitor traps for capturing and studying wildlife.

Overview

Traps surveys support the deployment and monitoring of various trap types for wildlife research. This method enables mark-recapture studies and population estimation.

When to Use Traps

  • Small mammal surveys
  • Bird banding studies
  • Invertebrate sampling
  • Population estimation
  • Mark-recapture studies

Supported Trap Types

FieldEco supports four trap configurations:

TypeTarget TaxaMethod
Sherman TrapsSmall mammalsLive capture
Mist NetsBirds, batsSoft entanglement
Pitfall TrapsGround invertebratesPassive capture
Light TrapsFlying insectsAttraction

Setting Up Trap Surveys

Basic Configuration

FieldRequiredDescription
Trap Array NameYesSurvey identifier
Trap TypeYesOne of four types
Number of TrapsYesTotal deployed
Trap LocationsRecommendedGPS for each trap

Trap-Specific Settings

Sherman Traps

  • Trap size (small, medium, large)
  • Bait type
  • Bedding material
  • Trap spacing

Mist Nets

  • Net length
  • Net height
  • Number of shelves
  • Mesh size

Pitfall Traps

  • Cup diameter
  • Preservative type
  • Drift fence length
  • Array pattern

Light Traps

  • UV type
  • Wattage
  • Trap design
  • Collection method

Data Collection

Check Sessions

Trap surveys use “check sessions” to record data:

  1. Start Session - Begin trap checks
  2. Visit Each Trap - Record status
  3. Process Captures - Record data
  4. End Session - Complete check round

Trap Status Options

StatusMeaning
EmptyTrap open, no capture
CaptureAnimal present
SprungTriggered but empty
ClosedNot deployed
DisturbedTampered/damaged

Capture Data

For each captured animal:

  • Species - Identification
  • Individual ID - Mark/tag number
  • Capture Status - New, Recapture
  • Biometrics - Weight, measurements
  • Sex & Age - If determinable
  • Condition - Health status
  • Notes - Observations

Marking Methods

Document identification marks:

  • Ear tags (mammals)
  • Leg bands (birds)
  • Toe clips (amphibians)
  • Shell marks (invertebrates)

Mark-Recapture Protocol

First Capture

  1. Identify species
  2. Record biometrics
  3. Apply unique mark
  4. Release at capture site

Recapture

  1. Read existing mark
  2. Record as recapture
  3. Update biometrics
  4. Release at capture site

Data Requirements

For population estimation:

  • Capture date/time
  • Individual ID
  • Capture history
  • Trap effort (trap-nights)

Analysis Integration

Trap data enables:

Population Estimation

  • Lincoln-Petersen - Two-sample estimate
  • Chapman - Bias-corrected estimate
  • Schnabel - Multiple recapture periods

Effort Metrics

  • CPUE - Catch Per Unit Effort
  • Trap Success - Captures/trap-night
  • Detection Probability

Best Practices

Trap Deployment

  • Follow ethical guidelines
  • Check permits/requirements
  • Minimize stress to animals
  • Document trap effort precisely

Animal Welfare

  • Check traps frequently
  • Provide bedding/shelter
  • Handle animals carefully
  • Release promptly

Data Quality

  • Record all trap-nights
  • Note sprung/disturbed traps
  • Document environmental conditions
  • Photograph new captures