A preliminary comparison of Magnum 116 bodygrip traps with a live capture trap design during the control of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)

ABSTRACT

The grey squirrel is an invasive pest species in the United Kingdom and populations are controlled to protect timber crops and native fauna. Although animals are culled using a variety of methods, there are few data available on the relative efficiency of different trap designs, and in particular spring traps. We compared grey squirrel captures in Magnum 116 spring-traps set within Fineren boxes against captures in a single entry live capture trap design. Trapping was conducted in mature mixed woodland in North Wales. No significant difference in the frequency of grey squirrel captures or body mass of trapped individuals between trap designs was observed. Despite the Fineren box design limiting access by non-target species, by-catch was recorded. We make recommendations for future research to minimise this and also compare our results for Magnum 116 traps with data available on captures in Fenn IV spring traps. The findings have broad relevance to the control of grey squirrels across their wider international invasive range.

KEYWORDS:

• Rodent
• grey squirrel
• Sciurus carolinensis
• trap comparison
• spring trap
• song birds
• mammal control

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Peter Lurz, Luc Wauters and two anonymous reviewers for comments on early drafts which significantly improved the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Compliance with ethics

The study followed lawful methods of grey squirrel control.

Additional information

Funding

This research was integrated into an ongoing program of grey squirrel control funded by Red Squirrels Trust Wales.