African Forest Biodiversity - Earthwatch Institute

Fig 3.4: Construction of a snake trap
A B
Site selection
Unless one is setting the traps in a particular grid or other arrangement,
traps should be set in spots which look likely to have sufficient cover to attract
the snake species which are to be trapped. For example, a trap set out in a
completely or relatively open area would probably be less successful than one
set along a natural barrier or hiding site, such as a fallen tree, a rock or a dead
log. Small mammal tracks and paths may also be used by snakes when hunting
prey, and these might also make good setting sites.
Procedure and Recording
Information on captured species should be recorded on the standard
forms (Forms 3.1 & 3.2).
Advantages/limitations
C
Steps in construction of a snake trap
A) make funnel from screening and cut 2.5cm – 5cm opening in apex
B) make cylinder by rolling over the screening and stapling ends;
C) insert funnel into cylinder and attach two cylinders together with plastic
screening
This technique is labour-intensive and extremely time consuming.
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