Work

A systematic scanning method to locate cryptic terrestrial species

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: When studying wild animals, consideration must be given to potential detrimental effects of the studytechnique, particularly if techniques may affect behaviour or energy expenditure. Many small terrestrialspecies occupy cryptic habitats, the characteristics and locations of which may be poorly understood. Tostudy these habitats, researchers must be able to locate them, but must also consider the potential fordisturbance of the organisms and the impacts this may have. Here, we developed and tested a novel, noninvasivemethod of locating the cryptic hibernation nests of PIT tagged hazel dormice Muscardinusavellanarius. The use of a powerful PIT tag scanner combined with a systematic search technique resultedin the location of nine wild hibernating dormice. Camera trap recordings indicated no external dormouseactivity following detections, indicating minimal disturbance. In addition, eleven PIT tags no longer inside adormouse were detected on the forest floor during searches. This study demonstrates a non-invasivealternative to techniques such as radio-collaring for small mammals, and highlights potential uses of PITtags in research beyond identification of individuals, particularly in understanding fine-scale habitatselection.

Source: MethodsX

DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.103038

Authors: Rachel Findlay-Robinson, Davina L. Hill

Institutions: University of Glasgow, University of Cumbria, University of the Witwatersrand

Language: English

Topic: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850