The relative effectiveness of three types of traps for small mammals in some Peruvian rodent communities

Abstract

1979: The relative effectiveness of three types of traps for small mammals in some Peruvian rodent communities. Acta theriol., 24, 25: 351—361 [With 5 Tables] Comparisons were made among species and size classes caught by three commonly used, small-mammal traps. Results suggest that trap design can bias estimates of size variation and species diversity. McGill rat traps are more effective for trapping larger species. Sherman live-traps are more effective for trapping the smaller phenotypes and species. Museum Special snap traps were the most effective in that they caught a broad size spectrum of individuals and species. Additionally, Museum Specials obtained the largest proportion of the composite catch; live traps the smallest proportion and rat traps were intermediate. Results of these analyses should serve as a caveat to students of mam-malian populations because the use of specimens and trapping data may sometimes carry hidden bias based on method of capture. [Dept. Biol. Sci., Univ. Illinois, Chicago, Illinois 60680, USA and Field Museum Nat. Hist., Chicago 60605, USA].