A new trap-catch index of patchiness in animal distribution

Abstract

Researchers and managers commonly use catch rates on trap-transects as an index of abundance for trappable wildlife species. We describe a method whereby the data collected from such surveys can be further analysed to obtain information on the patchiness of the trapped species' distribution on those transects. For certain applications, such as the management of wildlife disease, the index is likely to have significant advantages over traditional indices of spatial aggregation. One such situation is the management of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand to inhibit the spread of bovine tuberculosis within their populations. Trap-catch data from a possum survey are used to illustrate the proposed method, and the potential for application of such monitoring to wildlife populations is discussed.