Relative effectiveness of seveRal Bait and tRap types foR assessing teRRestRial small mammal communities in neotRopical RainfoRest

The relative effectiveness of five bait types (peanut butter, yuca, plantain, fresh beef, and dried, salted fish) and four trap types (Victor, Sherman, Tomahawk, and pitfall) for capturing small mammals in lowland Neotropical rainforests was evaluated. Peanut butter was the most effective bait and Victor rat traps the most effective trap. Each captured more species and individuals than any other bait or trap type. Nonetheless, other bait and trap types captured unique species that were not taken with peanut butter bait or Victor traps. This was particularly true for trap types. Pitfall and Tomahawk traps sampled different components of the small mammal community, mostly based on body size. Tomahawk traps captured more individuals of larger species (such as Proechimys spp.) than Victor traps. Pitfall traps captured smaller species that were rarely or never taken in any other trap type. It is recommended that a variety of traps and baits be used to maximize the number of species and individuals that are captured. In addition, it is recommended that trapping be conducted for a minimum of 11 consecutive nights to ensure that all species present on a grid have been recorded.