Wildlife Damage Management
Brown Treesnake Research at NWRC
Trapping is central to the control activities carried out
on Guam, yet it is only one component of an integrated control program that
simultaneously uses multiple methods, and employs a sequential, strategic
approach for snake removal over large areas. NWRC scientists work closely
with other Wildlife Services biologists to design trap placement strategies
and to develop snake-trap attractants.
Several trap placement strategies (factoring in optimal trap spacing, plot dimensions etc.) have been applied to forested plots. Perimeter trapping, interior trapping, and boundary trapping regimens are all employed. Once snake populations have been reduced in an area, maintaining some strategically placed traps around the plot helps deter population recovery.
October 11, 2007