Inventory and monitoring methods for medium and large mammals can involve numerous different techniques. For example, infrared game cameras are now widely used to detect many species of mammals and can provide information about their distribution and activity, and for some species they can sometimes be used to identify individuals. The use of this "camera trap" technology does require experience and knowledge of the species you are trying to identify. Some species of mammals, for example, are readily attracted to certain types of baits or lures, while other species may be repelled by them. The time of year can have a major impact on the success of the survey effort as well for some species. Plateau Ecological has been using camera traps for more than a decade in inventories and studies of distribution and activity patterns of selected mammal species such as the rarely seen eastern spotted skunk in the video above.

In addition to our experience with camera traps, we also have nearly two decades of experience with mark-recapture techniques with mid-sized mammals (including radio-telemetry), as well as extensive skill and knowledge of other non-invasive techniques such as the use of track plates or scent stations.

Knowing what species are present on a site, activity patterns and distribution of the animals, and relative abundance can all be vital information when crafting a management plan. Understanding the interactions between different species (for example the impacts of feral hogs on the entire forest community) may also be critical to a sound ecosystem-based management approach. Plateau Ecological can assist in providing answers to these questions and many more. Contact us today!