Use of a novel camera trapping approach to measure small mammal responses to peatland restoration

Abstract Small mammals, such as small rodents (Rodentia: Muroidea) and shrews (Insectivora: Soricidae), present particular challenges in camera trap surveys. Their size is often insufficient to trigger infra-red sensors, whilst resultant images may be of inadequate quality for species identification. The conventional survey method live-trapping, can both labour-intensive detrimental animal welfare. Here, we describe a using traps monitoring mammals. We show that by attaching the baited tunnel, fixing close-focus lens over lens, reducing flash intensity, pictures or videos obtained sufficient identifying species. demonstrate use comparing occurrences mammals peatland landscape containing (i) plantation forestry (planted on drained former blanket bog), (ii) ex-forestry areas undergoing bog restoration, (iii) unmodified habitat. Rodents were detected only restoration areas, across all odds detecting 7.6 times higher set than bog, 3.7 bog. When absolute abundance estimates are not required, available, this technique provides low-cost labour-efficient has minimal welfare implications.