Primary tabs

University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

Social

Using hair snares to monitor American marten

Animal Population
Terrestrial
Project Abstract: 
American marten were extirpated from the Lower Peninsula of Michigan during the turn of the 20th century, due to over-trapping and loss of habitat. Two small populations were reintroduced in the mid-1980s, yet efforts to monitor marten in the NE Lower Peninsula have been limited. In 2017, UM Flint conducted a hair snare survey to non-invasively assess marten population, distribution and genetics on State and Federal land throughout NE lower Michigan. Samples from 2017 are currently being analyzed. Here we propose to conduct a followup survey of marten on UMBS property during Summer 2018.
Investigator(s): 
Jill C Witt
Status of Research Project: 
Active
Years Active: 
2018 to 2021
Methods: 
To non-invasively collect hair samples from marten we will use hair snares made of 6” corrugated drain pipe. Drain pipe is bisected by two wooden dowels wrapped with packing tape that is placed sticky side out. Snares will be baited with meat, affixed to a tree using a bungee cord, and a long distance call lure will be placed near the snare to attract marten. Reconyx covert IR cameras will be installed at each snare location to monitor animal use of snare. Snares will be checked for hair every 3-4 days throughout the summer. If hair is detected, tape will be removed, and the snares will be reset. Hair samples will be taken to UM Flint for DNA analyses. Hair snares will be set if forested areas throughout UMBS property. We anticipate setting 7-9 snares total throughout the 10,000 acres surrounding Douglas Lake.
Funding agency: 
Jill Witt - Startup Funds