ESTIMATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAPS FOR DIFFERENT SMALL MAMMALS

A field experiment to study a relative attractiveness of traps for small mammals was fulfilled in different conditions. The traps were different both in the style of usage (temporary or stationary) and the presence of animal scent (clean or dirty). In the course of the experiment, the stationary traps were available for animals during the whole experiment, while the temporary traps were placed just for catching. In both cases, the clean and dirty traps (keeping animal smell) were used. Thus, four types of traps were analyzed: a) stationary dirty; b) stationary clean; c) temporary dirty; d) temporary clean. A total of 100 traps (25 traps for each type) were checked twice a day. During 10 days, there were 500 checks (2000 in total); 637 records were made in the experiment. Clethrionomys glareolus and Sorex araneus dominated between the caught animals. S. araneus preferred the stationary dirty traps. C. glareolus were less particular and didn't show significant differences between the stationary dirty, stationary clean and temporary dirty traps. Both species did not like temporary clean traps. Based on the data obtained, we can recommend (if the express analysis of abundance needed) to install a shelter with attractants (food) in advance to decrease the time of adaptation of animals to the traps. The conclusion was made that differences in the assessment of the number of animals could depend on the method of trap installation.