A new live trap for pocket gophers

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• fossorial mammals
• Geomys pinetis
• live trap
• southeastern pocket gopher