Influence of pit-trap design on sampling of reptiles in arid spinifex grasslands

Abstract

Eight different pit-trap designs were compared to determine the most effective design for capturing reptiles in arid spinifex grasslands of central Australia. Results from seven surveys within two studies showed that more complicated designs with cross fences did not significantly increase trapping success. A simple straight line of pit-traps and drift fence with buckets approximately 7 m apart is the most effective design and is recommended for sampling reptiles in arid Australia.