The Effect of Trap Placement on Trapping Success of Rattus-Lutreolus-Velutinus (Thomas) (Muridae, Rodentia) in Northeast Tasmania

Abstract

The effect of trap placement on the trapping success of Rattus lutreolus velutinus (Thomas) was investigated in three vegetation communities (heathland, sedgeland, dry sclerophyll forest) in north-east Tasmania. In all these communities, trapping success was markedly higher at trap stations with a high percentage cover of vegetation less than 50 cm high. Trapping success was also significantly influenced (P<0.01) by the presence of Rattus runways in all communities, runways of larger animals in heath, and logs in the understorey of forest. Percentage cover of vegetation greater than 50 cm high, rock cover and litter cover were not shown to influence trapping success. For population censuses per se, it may be desirable to have some latitude in trap placement within a predetermined trapping configuration, to enhance captures. However, this procedure is not recommended for studies primarily investigating habitat use by small mammals.