Small mammal trapping
Small mammal trapping will be a survey activity used to identify the presence of small mammals, such as rats and mice,.
Activity
Small mammal trapping should be conducted in early summer and late winter of each year. We use Sherman live traps for these surveys in a 6×6 grid formation in each vegetation zone on the ranch. Numerous trap nights will increase the success of this survey
Outcome
Small mammal trapping will allow us to determine the presence of small mammals. We will be able to monitor changes correlated with implemented management practices across years.
Camera trapping
Camera trapping will be an ongoing activity. This survey method is directed to large mammals on the property but will also capture incidental species.
Activity
At least one game cameras will be deployed in each vegetation zone on the property. The cameras should be maintained throughout the property during each season.
Outcome
Camera trapping will provide insight on the large mammal community. Over time, the data from this survey will allow us to maintain a record of the various large mammals and incidental species found. The ongoing data can be compared to previous years’ data.
Owl pellet examination
Owl pellet examination is an indirect survey method for small mammals. An owl’s diet consists largely of small mammals. By harvesting and dissecting owl pellets, we will be able to identify small mammal species found on the ranch.
Activity
We will continuously attempt to identify owl roost(s). Owl boxes placed on the ranch can be used for this practice. We will collect owl pellets from identified roost sites, then dissect and identify the species consumed by the owls.
Outcome
By locating an owl roost, we will have a source of owl pellets to dissect in future years to determine what small mammal species are present. Continuously conducting this practice will allow us to collect data on what mammal species are present.
2 Responses
I’m a Soil Scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and I was wondering if you are using Soil Survey information or Ecological Site Descriptions as part of the monitoring?
Also, it’s exciting to see Soil Microbiology on the list! It will be interesting to see the correlation between microbial communities and plant communities for the different soil types.
Hi Mr. Sackett,
Thank you for your interest in our work! NRCS Web Soil Survey, and Ecological Site Descriptions, were key in the management decisions we made. We utilized these resources to help us determine specific seed mixes used to reseed areas on the ranch. We look forward to developing a “Soil Health Plan” as a more detailed component of the overall management plan. “Soil Microbiology” will play a key roll in that plan, and we are very excited for that work to begin. We hope you’ll stay in touch, and look forward to hearing your thoughts!