Showing papers by "Roger A. Baldwin published in 2015"
TL;DR: The Gophinator was a more effective trap than the modified Macabee because of its ability to capture larger pocket gophers more efficiently, and the modification did appear to increase capture efficiency of larger individuals when compared to the standard Macabee, suggesting that this modification could be used to increase the effectiveness of trapping programs when Gophinators are unavailable.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used live-trapping and burrow excavation techniques to capture and transport California voles (Microtus californicus) and pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) from California to Colorado.
Abstract: Capture and transportation of wild rodents is needed to supply study animals for laboratory or enclosure studies and for translocation of threatened and endangered species. Stress of captured rodents must be minimized to maximize survival. Methods to limit stress include minimizing capture and transportation durations, providing sufficiently sized housing with adequate nesting materials and foods, and ensuring that animals are maintained in comfortable environmental conditions. We utilized these techniques to capture and transport California voles (Microtus californicus) and pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) from California to Colorado to determine their rate of survival during this process. We captured pocket gophers through live-trapping; burrow excavation substantially reduced capture and holding times for voles. All 50 voles and 88 of 91 pocket gophers were still alive and in good condition 2 weeks postarrival. The techniques and materials described should provide a useful framework for other ...
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a visual identification method based on external characteristics of genitalia and mammae was developed for pocket gophers, which allows for rapid, yet correct assessment of gender.
Abstract: . Pocket gophers are of great importance both for their function in ecological systems and for their impact on anthropogenic environments. Managing pocket gopher populations requires a fundamental understanding of population demographics, specifically sex ratios; yet quick and reliable techniques for visually identifying gender of pocket gophers are lacking. We developed a visual identification method based on external characteristics of genitalia and mammae that allows for rapid, yet correct assessment of gender in pocket gophers. This approach was particularly accurate (>99%) for visual identifications in the field. Our approach was also accurate (>98%) for frozen specimens, although care must be taken when identifying gender of frozen, immature pocket gophers. Although our results pertain specifically to Thomomys talpoides and Thomomys bottae, we believe that our methodology can be broadly applied to additional pocket gopher species.
2 citations