Habitat and Season Effects on Small Mammal Bycatch in Live Trapping

Abstract

Trapping small mammals is frequently used to study the dynamics, demography, behavior and presence of pathogens. When only particular small mammal species are in the focus of interest, all other species are unnecessary bycatch. We analyzed data from extensive live trapping campaigns conducted over the last decade in Germany, following a consistent standard trapping protocol that resulted in about 18,500 captures of small mammals. Animals were trapped with Ugglan multiple capture traps in grassland, forest and margin habitat. Trap success and the proportion of bycatch were about 30% when target species were common voles (Microtus arvalis) in grassland and common voles and bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in margins and forests. This was more pronounced in spring and along margins. Species mentioned in the early warning list according to the Red List Germany were higher in numbers and proportion in spring and in grassland. The results will help to avoid periods with enhanced presence of bycatch, including endangered species (if the purpose of the study allows) or to pay particular attention in certain seasons and habitats when the occurrence of bycatch is most likely.

Small mammal community composition impacts bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) population dynamics and associated seroprevalence of Puumala orthohantavirus

“…Apodemus spp. and bank voles are both widely distributed throughout continental Europe, preferring mostly deciduous and mixed forests (Döhle et al 1984), where they represent the two most abundant taxa (Hotopp et al 2022). There is considerable overlap in food preferences with both species being considered largely granivorous (Hansson 1985).…”

“…1984), where they represent the two most abundant taxa (Hotopp et al. 2022). There is considerable overlap in food preferences with both species being considered largely granivorous (Hansson 1985).…”

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks and Small Mammals from Grassland and Forest Habitats in Central Germany

“…This distribution matches the preference of Cl. glareolus and A. flavicollis for forests and M. arvalis for grasslands [ 50 , 51 ]. Apodemus sylvaticus was trapped with a proportion of 74.1% in forests, which reflects their well-known common habitat shift between forests and grasslands [ 7 , 52 ].…”

“…Proportions of trapped A. agrarius , Sorex araneus , and M. agrestis were balanced in forest and grassland. These three species do not show such a strong link to either one of the two considered habitats [ 7 , 51 , 53 ].…”

Evaluation of Rodent Hair Tubes for Activity Indices

“…Sampling hair with hair tubes is non-invasive because it does not involve restricting the movement, handling, or stressing the target species [ 11 ] or other animals that access the hair tube [ 12 ]. The application of hair tubes does not require particular skills in handling wild animals and does not affect their well-being [ 6 , 11 ].…”