Relative Efficiency of Different Small Mammal Traps

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Abstract
At some time in any study of small mammal populations the investigator is faced with the problem of whether the particular kind of trap used will adequately sample the population. It is common knowledge that exclusive use of one type of trap will tend to bias the estimate of population density due to varying amounts of selectivity in obtaining a population sample, since different types of traps vary in efficiency with respect to numbers, genera and species caught. Trap size and the correlated mechanical sensitivity of the trap also are obviously selective with respect to the size of specimen taken. An apparent avoidance of certain kinds of traps by some genera and species may involve odor, the appearance of the trap to the animal, or trap placement. However, certain anthropocentric concepts are involved here which are difficult to evaluate. Painting traps or camouflaging them in...