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Field Mammalogy Preparation & Grant Proposal Planning

Project Abstract: 
To better serve my students for the 2024 Field Mammalogy course, I would like to visit UMBS during the 2023 summer to examine future sites for small mammal trapping, camera trapping for larger mammals, and bat detection, as well as work with the mammal collection housed in Creaser to help me create a specimen/lab manual for future instructors and students. For potential small mammal trapping sites, I will set out small live mammal traps before dusk and assess captures early the following morning. I will work with the UMBS Biologist to discuss options for future sites for camera trapping and as well as bat detection. Bat detection will be further assessed by testing out potential field sites using echolocation detection devices in the evenings at and soon after sunset. During my visit, I would also like to work with my colleague and field assistant to plan future manuscripts and grant proposals related to rodents commonly found at UMBS.
Investigators: 
Status of Research Project: 
Years Active: 
2023
Methods: 
To assess future sites for small mammal trapping, I will examine possible trapping sites within and around UMBS. At sites that I think would work for the course, I will set out live mammal traps (Sherman traps) baiting with oat seeds in the late afternoons close to dusk. Traps will be denoted with a flag and I expect to set up ~50-100 traps each evening. Early in the morning, soon after sunrise, I will collect the traps and flags and assess captures for species, sex, and other biological traits. I may examine specimens for ticks or other ectoparasites and I may also take a cut of ear tissue for future laboratory analysis. I will keep a record of all captures (including locality and date of capture). All captures will be released at their site of capture. For bat detection, I will use an echolocation recorder to detect bat echolocation calls at sites within UMBS. I also hope to analyze recorded echolocation calls to identify bat species detected. Due to my short length of my visit to UMBS, I do not intend on setting out cameras for detection of larger mammals. Instead I will work with the UMBS biologist to make future plans use of the detection cameras. Lastly, I will need access to the specimen cases in Creaser so I can make updates to my specimen list, examine specimens for damage, and start formulating and making a specimen manual for future instructors and students. I can use my cabin or other common areas to work on manuscripts and grant proposal.
Funding agency: 
National Science Foundation (potentially)