Reliability and effective use of electronic trap monitoring systems based on cellular networks

Anthony R. Martin (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
79 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The deployment of cage traps rather than kill traps can greatly reduce non-target mortality in an invasive species control/eradication operation, but their use is normally constrained by the need for them to be checked frequently on animal welfare grounds. This paper examines the reliability of electronic monitoring devices that use cellular (mobile phone) networks to alert the operator when a trap door closes, and also discusses the management network that is needed to convert an alarm into a timely trap visit without fail. The two monitoring systems tested were 100% reliable in notifying the operator when a trap door closed, and their use reduced the burden of trap visits by 98% compared to the standard protocol of daily checks. As such, these systems can be of great value to campaigns operating large numbers of traps, especially when capture rates are low.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1247-1251
Number of pages5
JournalBiological Invasions
Volume24
Early online date21 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

Keywords

  • Cage trap
  • Humane trapping
  • Invasive animal
  • Pest eradication
  • Trap alarm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology

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