Non-lethal mustelid trap

Technical characteristics

• Weight: 1.3 kg
• Dimensions: 66 x 10 x 10 cm
• Mechanism: Trigger door (quick closing when the animal passes)
• Materials: Sheet metal and galvanized wire mesh, robust and resistant to moisture
• Aeration: Mesh walls for good ventilation and secure observation
• Animals captured: Weasel (Mustela nivalis / Mustela erminea), Hermine, Beech, Muscaraigne musette, etc.
• Uses: Monitoring of mustelids, particular for non-lethal trapping

Benefits

• Solid and durable, ideal for intensive use in natural terrain
• Non-invasive, respects animal welfare
• Capacity adapted to small mustelids and species of equivalent size
• Recommended baits: raw meat, eggs, fish, meat pâté according to the target species
  
  
  

Examples of protocol using this trap

Monitoring protocol weasel (Mustela nivalis) or small carnivores

• Location: Place the trap along edges, hedgerows, walls, around burrows or potential food sources, in the usual passage of animals.
• Density: Place a trap every 50 to 100 m on the area to be followed according to the density of the target population.
• Bait: Fresh meat (chicken, rabbit), egg, fish or meat pâté depending on the species. Place the bait in the center of the trap, fixed on the trigger tray to induce the animal to fully enter and trigger closure.
• Camouflage: Partially cover the cage with leaves, grass or branches to limit mistrust and integrate the trap into the natural environment.
• Safety: Check the stability of the trap to prevent it from tipping over and provide a sturdy grid (mesh size 19x19 mm recommended for weasels).
• Checks: Control the trap several times a day (morning and end of afternoon ideally) to limit the stress of the captured animals and quickly release non-targets.
• Handling and release: Wear gloves, handle the cage gently and comply with the regulations (see ministerial order for weasels). Release at more than 250 m from sensitive sites if the animal should not be kept (see scientific monitoring or population management).

Capture protocol for the marten (Martes foina) and multi-species monitoring

• Type of trap: Use a tawny box (metal or wooden cage, trigger door) or garden box (compact for gardens).
• Layout: Place the cage in areas of passage, points of conflict or access to makeshift shelters.
• Recommended bait: Meat, egg or fresh fish for beech beetle, possibly fruit for opportunistic species.
• Monitoring: Trap to be controlled every 4 to 6 hours; limit stress, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and signal the presence of the trap if frequented area.