Created Trapping Data Field Trapping Data Introduction Why

Created Trapping Data Field Trapping Data Introduction

Why collect and record trapping data? • Field data is the first hand data collected while in the field working with animals • Each attribute we record is important to build up a picture of the animal, it’s history and it’s well-being • Accurate, legible, detailed field data is critical • Use the information in this powerpoint to answer the questions on the worksheet and trapping data sheet provided

Species • Look for distinguishing features – shape, markings, locomotion, ratio of body parts, shape of ears, type of teeth (if you can easily see) • Remember you may have a juvenile so do not go on size or colour alone, look for features! Trapping data sheet • Enter the species name in correct column

Total weight • For spring balance (pictured) determine what each marked line represents and the interval between markings • In this case, on the left hand scale, larger marks are every 100 G and shorter marks are every 20 g • Weight is always in grams Trapping data sheet • Enter the total weight from photo in correct column

Bag weight • Every bag is different and must be weighed after use and result recorded • Bags do change weight during use due to absorbing moisture, and animal urine Trapping data sheet • Enter the bag weight from photo in correct column

Animal ID • A PIT tag reader, shown in photo, is passed across the shoulder area of the animal • If a PIT (Passive Implanted Transponder) tag is present the number comes up on the screen. • This individual number can be used to collate all data relating to the animal Trapping data sheet • Enter the animal’s ID in correct column – ALL numbers from the bottom row

Head length • To read – the scale on rectangular section gives you the whole millimetres, then read off the decimal points from the dial scale • Measured from lump at back of skull to nose tip • Is an indication of age, especially in some species Trapping data sheet • Enter the animal’s head length in correct column

Pes length • Use the same technique as described in head length • Pes is the terminal segment of the hindlimb of a vertebrate animal. • 2 types of pes – short or long, for both measure from Long ankle bone forward • Short – like human foot, pad then distinct digits, measure to front of pad • Long – like kangaroo, pad and major toe are fused into a continuous pad, measure to the base of the nail on the longest toe Trapping data sheet • Enter the animal’s pes length in correct column Short

Sex - male • First step, make sure your hands are warm and be very gentle! • On underside look for scrotum between back legs on male, you need to make sure it is slightly separated from body and not a swelling from pouch young. • Sometimes the scrotum is a different colour from the body fur and/or the fur is a different texture Trapping data sheet • Enter the animal’s sex in correct column

Sex - female • First step is to make sure your hands are warm and be very gentle! • If no scrotum, then look for pouch opening. Depending on species and direction of pouch opening in may be at belly-button location (forward facing pouch) or more towards the back legs (rear facing pouch). • Opening may be stained or no difference in colouring. Trapping data sheet • No entry required

Additional data • As this is an introductory session not all data has been “collected” • When doing this work in the field other data collected includes – ØAge – estimated from size and reproductive status ØFate – what happens to the animal after handling, hopefully RL or RI ØN/R – indicates a new or recapture ØPouch – series of codes indicating reproductive status of the female ØPY/CR – denotes the number of pouch young and approximate size