Assessing Methods to Enhance Camera Trap Use for Small Mammal Capture
Date
2024-05
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Many small mammal species worldwide are considered Data Deficient (DD) due to
insufficient knowledge. Understanding their distributions and population dynamics is crucial for
effective conservation and management practices. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of four
camera-trap station designs across three habitat types: wetland, hardwood forest, and farm sites.
We evaluated these designs, “control”, the “box”, the “bucket”, and the “selfie trap”, over a nine week period from June to August 2023. We deployed 24 traps, with six of each design, ensuring
representation in each habitat during every rotation. Traps were baited with mealworms and
sunflower seeds, with bait types varied over time. We processed a total of 58,413 photographs
from 54 total trap-nights revealing 1,343 unique sequences of 27 non-human species. Analysis
indicated varying success rates among the trap designs, with the “control” design being the least
effective. The most frequently identified species was the focal small mammal species, white footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus, 35.98%) and a non-target species, the northern raccoon
(Procyon lotor, 21.31%). The “box” designs captured the most sequences (492) followed by the
“selfie trap” (359), “bucket” (326), and “control” (166). Due to the easy passage through
entrances, all designs additionally avoided the risk of capture myopathy, or the non-infectious
disease of wild or domestic animals in which muscle damage results from extreme exertion,
struggle, or stress. Our trap station designs have the ability to provide valuable insights for future
wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.