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The first efficient capture program for black and gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) using traps that was implemented on the islands of the upper Parana River in Southern Brazil is described. The described system would serve as an alternative capture program for howlers in areas that have low food diversity and no other mammal species that will compete for bait, as is observed in riparian environments, islands, and forest fragments.

Sampling of populations of small mammals has traditionally focused on use of live traps, which are often costly and labor intensive. We tested track tubes as an alternative technique for assessing populations of small mammals. Track tubes record footprints of small mammals and allow determination of their presence or absence without live capture. We compared results from livetrapping against data from track tubes on 5 sites over 1-week periods in June 1999 and June 2000. Correlations between indices of abundance from the 2 techniques were significant in 1999 ([r.sub.s] = 0.656, P < 0.001) and 2000 ([r.sub.s] = 0.715, P < 0.001). Using track tubes we distinguished footprints of 4 species. We were not able to distinguish Peromyscus from Clethrionomys gapperi; species of Sorex could not be distinguished. In comparison with livetrapping, track tubes are inexpensive, are much less labor intensive for researchers, and can be run simultaneously on several sites. The technique has good promise where investigators seek only to identify composition and relative abundance of small-mammal species. Key words: abundance, livetrapping, richness, small mammals, track tubes

Fladry is the technique of hunting and trapping wolves by driving them into a restricted area comprised of red flags suspended from ropes stretched over the ground. The technique is attempted on five captive wolves.

Research is presented concerning the development of a trapping method using polymodal stimuli to facilitate the capture of Brown Treesnakes for wildlife management studies. The use of lures is discussed.

Research is presented concerning the injuries suffered by gray wolves and non-target animals captured in foothold traps fitted with tranquilizer trap devices. A comparison is made with animals captured in traps without tranquilizers.

Trumpeter swans in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, MO, have been captured and translocated as part of efforts to encourage them to use new winter sites. A new study describes the techniques used to capture the swans before they were moved to their new location. Among the techniques tested during severe winter conditions were bait and drive traps, rocket nets and nightlighting from boats. The most effective method was found to be night-lighting, although it was time-consuming and strenuous under the adverse conditions.

An analysis of the effectiveness of three coyote attractants namely Carman's Canine Call, Fatty Acid Scent and W-U Lure placed in conjunction with deer carrion to attract coyotes to the Coyote Lure Operating Device (CLOD) showed that the lures with deer carrion attracted more coyotes than the sites without carrion. However, there was only a low number of CLOD activations showing that these lures do not urge the coyotes to activate CLOD. No differences were found in coyote visits among the lures.

Snares with a 10.2cm diameter noose set 12cm above the ground provided with 0.02-gauge stainless steel wire and a 5-coil anchor were efficient in capturing snow shoe hares and in reducing incidental capture of martens. The difference in behavior between captured martens and hares made it possible to develop a system in which the martens could escape by breaking the snare on removing it from the anchor. This also provided a more humane system for killing hares as it was quicker than other systems in rendering the hares unconscious.

A study of the efficiency and selectivity of trapping techniques for capturing martens in Ontario in wooden and wire boxes such as the Conibear 120 (C120), Conibear 120 Magnum (CMAG) and wire-cage live traps revealed that C120s in wooden boxes set up in trees is the most humane and efficient technique. CMAG and live traps had similar selectivity to C120s but less efficiency. C120s on the ground were more selective and equally efficient but the marten pelts in such cases were often destroyed by mice.

A study evaluating a more efficient technique for capturing flightless geese, using lightweight, portable panels to gather and move geese into movable catch pens found that this method is fast, requires little equipment and preparation and can be implemented anywhere, even on such hard surfaces as pavements. The risk of injury to the birds is minimized because of the usage of nylon net which is soft and not abrasive like wire or metal fencing.

Trapping and radio-collar tagging of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in drainage areas of the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana was done during summer to increase sample sizes from the areas. Summer trapping was determined a viable alternative to winter trapping especially when the population distribution of deer, which varies according to the seasons, is an important parameter to a study.

The article discusses the development of a new, cost-effective single-capture hair-trap that is used for trapping the mesocarnivores, like the American martens (Martes americana). The trap is shown to be helpful in monitoring the populations of these animals at different places.

The advantages and efficiencies of several different types of hair-traps, which are used for the detection of mammalian carnivores in the tropics is evaluated. These hair-traps are shown to be extremely cheap and portable and hence can be easily used for the population and genetic studies of these animals.

A study was conducted at 4 sites in Spain to evaluate the efficiency, selectivity, and injury of cable restraint devices and cage-traps for capture of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). The results recommended a need for necessary training and experience to ensure the highest efficiency while preventing injuries, especially to nontarget species.

A protocol for the capture of otters using padded leg-hold traps coupled with Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) trap alarms is evaluated. Results showed that functioning alarms reduce the injuries suffered suggesting the use of GSM traps alarms under the principle of refinement in animal experiments.

Animal trapping methods, which are used to capture coyotes, are presented.

Trapping methods, which are used to examine black bear population in Pisgah Bear Sanctuary, North Carolina, are presented.

The success of beavers in box traps, explain box trap designs and modifications, describe field sets, and present costs of purchasing and modifying traps is reported. The findings provide information for research involving beavers and also for animal control agents and recreational trappers working under new trap restrictions in states like Massachusetts.

The use of drift fences in conjunction with 2-door live traps to capture marsh rabbits in habitats where conventional trapping methods are unsuccessful or unfeasible is described. The drift fence approach is well suited for species that occur in patchy habitats and if occupied patches are small, the patch is completely encircled by drift fence with traps placed within the circle to capture animals as they try to exit the patch.

The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of Sherman and Longworth trap types at capturing grassland-associated small mammals and provides guidelines for their use. It is shown that when used in combination, both Longworth and Sherman traps can diminish overall sampling error and yield less biased estimates of species composition than either trap type alone.

The paucity of knowledge among the coastal populations of the American alligator may relate to the difficulty in capturing alligators within inland locations, as traditional methods of capture often are compromised by the heterogeneous habitat. An alternative method for capturing alligators that allows researchers to sample forested wetlands using a simple box-trap design is presented.

The use of pan-tension devices on modified No. 3 Victor Soft Catch traps for capturing sympatric coyotes while excluding swift foxes are evaluated. Capture rates of swift foxes using two different trap sets: single set boxtraps and reverses double set boxtraps are compared.