Evaluation of seven trap models as humane and catch-efficient possum traps

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Abstract
Four kill-trap models (Banya, Bigelow 1 , Conibear 220, and Kaki) and 2 leg-hold trap models (Montgomery 1 and Victor 1 ) were assessed in relation to the commonly used Lanes-Ace gin trap (‘Gin’) for trapping the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). The criteria selected were catch efficiency, humaneness, fur removal, target specificity, cost, weight/size, robustness, and ease of setting. The percentage catch of the gin trap was set at 100%, and the other traps' catches were adjusted to this. Only the Victor proved as efficient as the Gin, with a relative catch of 103.9%. The Montgomery, Conibear, Kaki, Bigelow, and Banya had relative catches of 43.2, 43.7, 31.7, 28.5, and 5.2% respectively. The 3 leghold traps proved equally injurious: 71.2%, 70.5%, and 74.5% of the possums captured in the Gin, Montgomery, and Victor respectively sustained either cut skin or fractured bone. The Bigelow and Conibear kill traps did not always kill the captured possums, often catching them across the chest, abdomen, or rump. The Banya and Kaki caught all possums by the head or neck and killed them. All traps caught non-target species. The Banya and Kaki, although inefficient at catching possums, caught as many wekas (Gallirallus australis) as the Gin and Victor. With the exception of the Kaki at N.Z.$20, all traps cost between $5 and $10 each. The Kaki is considerably larger than the other models, but would be suitable for non-commercial trappers. Although the Victor is as catch-efficient as the Gin it is equally inhumane. The other trap models proved too inefficient to be considered as commercial alternatives to the Gin, and were to varying degrees less than acceptably humane.

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