Vertebrate pest monitoring
- Mark-recapture analysis using non-invasive sampling for density estimation & monitoring of vertebrate pests
- Management of wild animal populations usually requires some assessment of abundance. We have developed methods involving a simple tube design for sampling hair from a range of key vertebrate pests. ‘Passive’ (non-invasive) methods often are better for cryptic or trap-shy species, especially when they are at low population density in the landscape
- We currently have expertise in stoats, cats, rats, ferrets and deer with other species such as mice and goats in development.
- Track movements of individual animals
- DNA data can assist in determining whether there has been immigration following pest control. This can assist in identifying sources of immigrants as well as likely frequency to assist in control operations.
- Detection of a pest from forensic samples (hair & scat)
- The identity of a pest can be made from the presence of hair or scat samples and there is potential to identify match those samples to an individual. This can be useful when an incursion has recently been detected in a pest-free area and knowing how many individuals there are is important for determining eradication.
- Design and analysis of monitoring projects
- The design of mark-recapture type projects is critical for achieving the best quality data. This includes information on spacing of tubes, frequency of field sampling through to the final analysis. We encourage any potential customers wishing to embark on such a project to contact us initially to scope out requirements and assist in the field design
Case studies:
- DNA for population estimation: stoats in a New Zealand beech forest
- Are some possums unable to be trapped, poisoned or monitored?
Cat hair tube |
Kokako |
Possum scat |
