A new live trap for pocket gophers

Abstract

Live-trapping is important for studying wildlife. In 2016 at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station in Melrose, Florida, USA, we tested the efficacy of a modified pitfall trap designed to safely and effectively capture southeastern pocket gophers (Geomys pinetis). When compared with the commonly used Hart trap, the new design captured 92% of all live captures of southeastern pocket gophers. The novel trap has a simple, passive design that eliminates dependence on trigger mechanisms, allows for safe overnight trapping, and reduces on-site hours by researchers. The new trap adds to the few live traps available to study ecologically important and understudied fossorial species. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.