|
Small
Mammal Survey
at Letton Churchyard
September
19th - 21st, 2003
Introduction
Small mammal survey was carried
out using Longworth traps. The traps are filled
with hay and baited with food which is suitable
for rodents and shrews. The animals are released
as soon as possible. A general survey of the churchyard
for signs of other mammals was also carried out.
Results
of Longworth Trapping
40 traps were set and left in situ
for 2 days, checked morning and evening .
(Click here to see the map of the
traps).
20th
- AM
| TRAP NO. |
SPECIES |
SEX |
WEIGHT |
NEW ANIMAL |
| 20 |
C. Shrew |
|
7.5 |
Y |
| 31 |
C, Shrew |
|
7.0 |
Y |
| 33 |
Bank Vole |
M |
28.5 |
Y |
| 38 |
Bank Vole |
M |
17.5 |
Y |
| 40 |
Bank Vole |
J |
11.5 |
Y |
20th
- PM
| TRAP NO. |
SPECIES |
SEX |
WEIGHT |
NEW ANIMAL |
| 16 |
C. Shrew |
J |
6 |
Y |
| 18 |
Bank Vole |
F |
21.5 |
Y |
| 15 |
C. Shrew |
J |
5.5 |
Y |
| 22 |
Bank Vole |
F (lac) |
20.5 |
Y |
| 23 |
C. Shrew |
|
6.0 |
Y |
| 33 |
Bank Vole |
M |
16.5 |
Y |
| 32 |
Bank Vole |
F |
21.5 |
Y |
| 38 |
Bank Vole |
F |
20 |
Y |
| 40 |
Bank Vole |
M |
27 |
Y |
21st
- AM
| TRAP NO. |
SPECIES |
SEX |
WEIGHT |
NEW ANIMAL |
| 14 |
C. Shrew |
|
|
? |
| 17 |
Bank Vole |
|
19 |
? |
| 21 |
C. Shrew |
|
6.0 |
? |
| 22 |
C. Shrew |
|
6.0 |
? |
| 33 |
Bank Vole |
M |
28 |
N |
| 35 |
Bank Vole |
F |
17 |
Y |
| 38 |
Bank Vole |
M |
17.5 |
? |
Animals were not marked so it assumed that there
were some re-captures looking at location, size
and sex.
Total
Common shrew (cannot be easily sexed): 5
Bank vole: Males - 3; Females - 4 (one lactating);
Juvenile - 1
Conclusion
- Bank vole and common shrew are both breeding
within the churchyard
- The trapping results indicate quite a high
population of both species
- There are a large number of holes throughout
the churchyard which will be used by both bank
voles and moles.
- Even though field voles were not captured
it is possible that they are present when the
grass is longer.
Management
recommendations
There was very little cover for small mammals
at the time of the visit. The grass was cut throughout
most of the area. It is not known what the management
regime is here, but it is recommended that a taller
grass verge at least 70 cm wide alongside the
boundaries is allowed to be present all year round,
particularly the boundaries where the animals
were caught. This will provide some cover and
protection from the cats which seem to be constantly
present, particularly in the north-eastern corner
of the "wild area".
Thistles appear to be becoming a
problem in the northern section of the churchyard,
and will eventually out compete the grasses. Many
of these should be removed by frequent cutting
or pulling to prevent seeding and further spread.
To encourage more small mammals,
which are essential prey items for owls, and hedgehogs
-a dedicated compost heap area is created in a
corner. This would also provide habitat for amphibians
or reptiles such as slow-worm.
Small Mammal Trapping
19 - 21st September 2003
Download
and print the Survey in Full:
You may need to download Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view the above pages.
Click here to download your free copy:
Take
Part
If you would like to take part,
or would like to support this project, please
email godsacre@lettonvillage.com
for more details.
|
