Mammal Monitoring

All mammals observed, as well as identifiable sign (tracks, scat, etc.) encountered will be documented and added to the base inventory. Trapping for small mammals using Sherman Live Traps baited with birdseed, oats, or oats with peanut butter will occur quarterly at established transects and trapping grids in various habitats.

Temporary small mammal sampling transects will be used in all natural communities to determine overall species diversity. Trapping stations, which represent single points on a transect, will be placed ten meters apart. Animals captured on the temporary transects will not be individually marked unless otherwise stated.

A trapping grid has been established at Chuluota Wilderness Area to monitor a population of the Florida Mouse (Podomys floridanus), a Species of Special Concern and commensal of the Gopher Tortoise. At this trapping grid all small mammals that are captured will be individually ear-tagged. Appropriate morphometric, data will be recorded.  They will then be released at the site of capture.

More detailed monitoring of other mammal species may be accomplished through partnerships with other agencies, universities, and special interest groups.

MONITORING PROTOCOL
GENERAL
	No trapping should occur when temperatures are estimated to fall below 55 oF.
	If a trap is missing it should first be assumed that an animal has taken it away. In such a case the area should be thoroughly searched for the missing trap.
	The investigator should be aware of skunks, which often get their tails stuck in a trap, and can be aggressive. If a skunk is caught, be careful to cover the animal with a sack to keep it from spraying. It would also be wise to use gloves.
	When trapping larger mammals, be sure to use gloves.
	Always wash your hands when done handling small mammals
MAMMAL GRIDS
	The only mammal grid established is at CWA for the Florida Mouse.
	The mammal grid will be trapped twice a year.
	The grid consists of 49 stations (7 stations x 7 stations). Each station is 10 meters apart.
	A rebar pole with a metal tag is located at each station.
	When trapping, the Sherman Live Traps should be set three hours before sunset.
	The traps should be checked for old bait, cleaned, and calibrated for proper function. Calibrating involves moving the trigger forward or backward against the spring door.
	When calibrated the traps should be set with oats, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or oats and peanut butter together. The oat-peanut butter mixture should not be a moist mixture, make the mixture fairly thick, and then apply it to the inside back door of the trap.
	If using oats or sunflower seeds alone, throw the seed into the back of the trap.
	Place each trap within one-meter from the rebar pole that marks the sampling station.
	Any Florida Mice that are captured should be tagged in the ear. Each captured mouse should only receive one ear tag.
MAMMAL TRANSECTS
	Temporary mammal transects are located on all properties and are not designated by any infrastructure in the field.
	Traps should be set up and checked following the same protocol that is listed for mammal grid trapping.
	There is some flexibility in the method for placing traps in the field. The investigator can place traps one per station or two or three per station.
	The temporary transect should be directed either north to south or east to west if possible.
	The sampling stations should be placed at least eight paces apart.
	Captures on the transects should be "fur clipped" to identify them on the next trap night.