Mammal trap efficiency verified with trail cameras

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Environmental Science Poster Session

Abstract

Trail cameras were used to determine the trapping efficiency of small to medium-sized native mammals around the inner perimeter of a fenced property located in Kerrville. The efficiency of this form of trapping was determined as the number of captures in relation to visits seen in the images. Spring-loaded live-animal cage traps were placed in nine different locations within the property during fall and spring. Each trap was set similarly in regards to bait, time and day and were checked within 24 hours.  While some animals did visit occupied traps we saw no significant effect of the presence of an animal in the trap on the likelihood of another animal visiting.

Authors

• Danielle D Cain, Schreiner Univeristy

• Chris Distel, Schreiner University