Wildlife Trapping and Animal Welfare

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern of animal welfare biologists regarding catching wild animals?

The stress caused to the animals (correct)

The difficulty of tracking wild animals

The economic benefits of wildlife research

The potential impact on the environment

What is the purpose of designing traps and other devices to restrain wild animals?

To ensure the animal's struggle does not damage the trap (correct)

To facilitate the escape of non-target species

To minimize the risk of injury to the animal

To reduce the stress experienced by the animal

What is a crucial factor to consider when placing traps to capture wild animals?

The type of vegetation in the area

The risk of adverse weather conditions (correct)

The animal's physiological response to the trap

The proximity to human settlements

What is a legal obligation for those who set traps to capture wild animals?

To check the trap at least once every 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a technology that can be used to alert trappers when a trap is set off?

Devices linked to mobile phone networks Signup and view all the answers

What can exacerbate the risk of injury associated with trying to break out of a trap?

Elements of trap design Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of trapping multiple individuals at once?

Increasing the risk of fights and even deaths among the caught animals Signup and view all the answers

What is capture myopathy?

A physiological response to a stressful event, often seen in ungulates and carnivores Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the low recovery rates in bird ringing?

Birds are not ringed in large enough numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?

To protect all birds, eggs, and nests Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with trapping methods used for scientific studies?

They are often unselective and can catch non-target species Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Schedule 5 in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?

To list protected species, including dormouse and otter Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not checking traps frequently enough?

The caught animals may suffer from thirst, hunger, or predation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with trapping, according to Murphy et al?

It can lead to physiological changes associated with a stressful event Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Game Act 1831?

To regulate the trapping of badgers Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of trap-shyness and trap-happiness?

Violating the assumption of equal trap-ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why trapping can be considered a highly stressful experience for wild animals?

Because it restricts the animal's ability to move freely Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when designing traps and other devices to capture wild animals?

The target species' physiology Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to check traps frequently, especially in adverse weather conditions?

To prevent hypothermia and sunstroke Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using traps that are not appropriately designed for the target species?

Increased risk of injury Signup and view all the answers

Why do animal welfare biologists consider trapping to be a highly stressful experience for wild animals?

Because it involves physical restraint Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with using traps that are not designed to minimize harm to non-target species?

Risk of bycatch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of wildlife biologists regarding trapping methods used for scientific studies?

Welfare of the animals being trapped Signup and view all the answers

What can be attached to traps to alert trappers when an animal is caught?

A device linked to mobile phone networks Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of trap placement to minimize harm to trapped animals?

Limiting risk of adverse weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of trapping animals without considering their specific physiological needs?

Increased risk of injury or death Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern with catches multiple individuals at once?

Risk of fights and deaths among the caught animals Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to release trapped animals as soon as possible?

To prevent capture myopathy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of bird ringing?

Low recovery rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a general licence in the context of wildlife conservation?

To allow activities that would otherwise be illegal Signup and view all the answers

Why are some species more vulnerable to trapping than others?

Because they have escape responses that make them more vulnerable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a regulated procedure and a non-regulated procedure in the context of wildlife conservation?

The level of invasiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of not checking traps frequently enough?

Risk of the animal dying of thirst or hunger Signup and view all the answers

Why is lactate a concern in the context of trapping?

It can lower blood pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Schedule 6 in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?

To limit methods for catching certain species Signup and view all the answers

Why are some trapping methods not classified as regulated procedures?

Because they are not considered to cause lasting harm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trapping Methods and Risks

Trapping can lead to injuries, fights, and even deaths, especially when multiple individuals are caught together
Non-target species may be caught, which can be protected by law, and may experience capture stress
Some species have escape responses that make them vulnerable to capture, even by an approaching human
Traps can be associated with mortality risks, including drowning, hypothermia, and sunstroke

Capture Myopathy

Physiological changes associated with stressful events can occur in animals, especially in ungulates and carnivores
Muscle damage can lead to myoglobin release into the bloodstream and lactate lowering blood pH
Kidney damage can occur, and capture myopathy can be fatal while the animal is confined or even after release
Release of the animal as soon as signs of capture myopathy appear is the only way to prevent it

Bird Ringing

Bird ringing is a common practice, but not a regulated procedure, and is licensed by the British Trust for Ornithology
Approximately 2,600 certified bird ringers operate in Britain and Ireland
Recovery rates are low, with only 50 returns for every 1,000 birds ringed
Birds are typically in the net for less than 30 minutes, which is generally considered safe
Ringing is associated with some degree of mortality, with 1,646 mortality events out of 1.56 million captures in the UK

Legislation and Regulations

The Game Act 1831, Conservation of Seals Act 1970, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Deer Act 1991, Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 are all relevant laws protecting wildlife
Schedule 5 lists protected species, including dormouse, otter, pine marten, red squirrel, and water vole
Schedule 6 limits methods for catching certain species, including badger, bats, hedgehogs, otter, pine marten, polecat, red squirrel, and shrews
General licenses or specific licenses for named individuals can be obtained to carry out activities that would otherwise be illegal

Trap Design and Placement

Trap design and placement can exacerbate risks of injury associated with trying to break out
Cage/box traps, snares, nets, pitfall traps, and darting are all associated with risks, including trap design, target species physiology, and non-target species
Traps can be linked to mobile phone networks, which can contact the operator when the trap is set off
Legal obligations require traps to be checked at least once every 24 hours, sometimes more frequently

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Description

This quiz covers the ethical considerations of catching wild animals for research and conservation purposes, including the traps and devices used, the risks involved, and the importance of regulating these procedures. Learn about the potential welfare problems and how to minimize harm to animals.