New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts

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Evaluation of escape rates by possums captured in Victor No. 1 Soft Catch traps

B. WARBURTON

Landcare Research
P.O. Box 69
Lincoln 8152, New Zealand

Abstract  The need for effective but humane trapping systems has led to the development of padded foothold traps (Soft Catch) by Woodstream Corporation, USA. Although these traps significantly decrease injuries to captured possums, many possums--in excess of 30% in some areas--escape. Because of the animal welfare benefits arising out of using these traps in preference to unpadded traps, it is important that the escape rate problem be addressed if trappers are to accept these traps. Two factors were examined as potential reasons for possums escaping. The first was trap setting procedure, which includes trap position and pan tension, and the second was trap age (history of use). No significant improvement in escape rate was obtained by modifying the setting procedure, but a significant decrease in escape rate was obtained by using new traps. The two factors tested did not affect how possums were likely to be held (i.e., limb, wrist, pad, or toe), although modified sets--that is, traps set farther out in front of the lure, rotated 45deg., and pan tension increased--captured more possums by the back leg than the front. To further improve the holding performance of these traps, the power of the trap springs should be increased, but the effect this would have on trap induced injuries is unknown.

Keywords  escape rates; possums; Soft Catch; traps; Trichosurus vulpecula

Received 5 July 1996; accepted 15 December 1997



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