Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research REPORT 110 ...

Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve
50
Sherman traps
Small rodents and insectivores were sampled us ing 100 Sherman traps (standard size) baited with
varying combinations of fried coconut and peanut butter and small fish (dagaa). Traps were
placed at least 2m apart forming wide loops around the bucket pitfall trap lines; 33 around two of
the lines and 34 around the other. Traps were baited each evening for the duration of the trapsite
and checked early the next morning. Traps were closed during the day. Data were recorded on
standardised data sheets regarding the identification, sex, breeding status, weight and biometrics
of each animal captured. In order to identify ‘recaptures’, released animals were given an
individual mark code made by trimming small patches of fur in a given pattern. Detailed habitat
notes were taken for each trap.
Mist-netting
Bats were sampled using varying combinations and configurations of mistnets (1 x 3m, 2 x 7m, 1
x 9m). Nets were placed across predicted ‘flight corridors’ such as rivers and paths, with the top
of the net at a maximum height of 3m. Nets were opened at dusk and checked every 15 minutes
for at least 3 hours each night that they were in use. Data were recorded on standardised data
sheets regarding the identification, sex, breeding status, weight and biometrics of each bat
captured. Detailed habitat notes were take n for each mist-netting location and the number of netmetre
hours calculated (this varied between trapsites).
Butterfly sweep-netting
Low-flying butterflies were sampled using hand-held sweep-nets. Two man-hours were spent
netting along the bucket pitfall lines each day for the duration of the trapsite.
Butterfly canopy traps
Butterflies were sampled using six canopy traps placed at varying heights within the canopy; two
associated with each of the bucket pitfall trap lines. Traps were baited with fermenting banana
and checked late afternon each day for the duration of the trapsite. Data were recorded on the
identification of all species collected and detailed habitat notes taken for each trap, including its
height within the canopy.
Mollusc plots
Molluscs were sampled in three 1m x 1m quadrats per trapsite; one established near each of the
bucket pitfall trap lines and located in order to encompass a range of microhabitats. Two manhours
were spent searching the leaf litter and first 3cm of soil within each quadrat. All molluscs
encountered were collected.
Millipede plots
Millipedes were sampled in three 3m x 3m quadrats per trapsite; again, one established near each
of the bucket pitfall trap lines and located in order to encompass a range of microhabitats. Four
man-hours were spent searching the leaf litter and first 3cm of soil within each quadrat. All
millipedes encountered were collected.
6.3.2 DUNG AND SIGN SURVEYS
More cryptic animals were surveyed along five transects of varying length (these transects were
also used to investigate forest use and human impact, see Figure 5). The transects ran north-east
to south-west through the reserve. Either side of the central transect line a 2m wide strip was
searched for any animal dung, tracks, paths, burrows, diggings, feathers or other signs. All signs
of animals were recorded and habitat notes were taken for each 50m stretch of transect.
Frontier-TanzaniaCoastal Forest Research Programme