Effects of trap type on small mammal richness, diversity, and mortality. (13th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stephens, Ryan B.; Anderson, Eric M.
• Is Part Of: Wildlife Society bulletin. Volume 38:Number 3(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 627
• Publication Date: 2014-03-13
• Subjects: Wildlife management -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; 333.9540973
• DOI: 10.1002/wsb.418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-7648

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="wsb418-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>When evaluating richness and diversity of small mammal communities, it is important to consider the impact that trap efficacy may have on these indices. The objectives of our study were to determine species‐specific trap efficacy relative to Sherman traps and pitfall traps, assess the impact of trap efficacy on measures of species richness and diversity, and compare mortality rates between trap types and whether pitfall covers reduce trap mortality. In the summers of 2009 and 2010, we trapped throughout Wisconsin, USA, in 5 vegetation communities. We used 180 transects (190 m long) of 20 Sherman live traps spaced every 10 m and 10 pitfall traps spaced every 20 m for 4 consecutive nights. We trapped 3, 261 small mammals of 23 species in 34, 235 combined trap‐nights. Pitfall traps were more effective at capturing shrews and voles, whereas Sherman traps captured more mice (<italic>Peromyscus</italic> spp.) and squirrels. Irrespective of vegetation community, both trap types together captured significantly higher species richness and diversity than either trap type captured independently. Covers significantly reduced mortality of <italic>Peromyscus</italic> spp., but not for voles or shrews, and covers reduced overall captures of voles. Our results indicate that Sherman and pitfall traps capture different portions of the small mammal community and, regardless of the vegetation community, should be used in combination when assessing species richness and diversity. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.</p> </sec> </abstract>