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United States Department of Agriculture
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Forest Service
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General Technical Report PSW GTR-157
American Marten, Fisher, Lynx, and Wolverine:
Survey Methods for Their Detection
William J. Zielinski Thomas E. Kucera
August 1995
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
Introduction to Detection and Survey Methods
William J. Zielinski and Thomas E. Kucera
Background
Species Detection
Differences Among Survey Methods
Survey Durations
Population Monitoring
Alaska and Canada
Habitat Assessments
Interpretation of Results
Cautions
Disposition of Data
References
Appendix: Addresses of State Natural Heritage Programs
Chapter 2
Definition and Distribution of Sample Units
William J. Zielinski, Thomas E. Kucera, and James C. Halfpenny
Introduction
Objectives
Background
The Sample Unit
Use of Detection Devices: Cameras and Track Plates
Snow-Tracking Methods
Survey Duration
Sample Unit Distribution
Regional Surveys
Project Surveys
References
Chapter 3
Photographic Bait Stations
Thomas E. Kucera, Art M. Soukkala, and William J. Zielinski
Introduction
Description of Devices
Single-Sensor Camera System
Dual-Sensor Camera System
Line-Triggered Camera System
Baits and Lures
Mustelids
Lynx
Survey Seasons
Single and Dual Sensor
Line Trigger
Survey Duration
Preparations for the Field
Defining the Survey Area
Station Number and Distribution
In the Field
Winter Safety
Handling Bait
Station Setup
Checking the Stations
Developing Film
Data Management
Comparisons of Camera Systems
Costs
Single Sensor
Dual Sensor
Line Trigger
Equipment List
Single Sensor
Dual Sensor
Line Trigger
References
Appendices
A--Data Forms
B--Trailmaster Commands
C--Examples of Photographs
Chapter 4
Track Plates
William J. Zielinski
Introduction
Description of Devices
Track-Plate Box
Unenclosed Track Plate
Baits and Lures
Survey Seasons
Survey Duration
Preparations for the Field
Defining the Survey Area
Station Number and Distribution
In the Field
Station Location
Station Setup
Checking the Stations
Data Management
Safety Concerns
Sooting the Plates
Handling Bait
Comparison of Track-Plate Methods
Costs
Equipment
Orientation Related
Track-Plate Related
General
References
Appendices
A--Examples of Fisher and Marten Tracks from Con-Tact Paper
B--Discriminant Function to Distinguish Marten and Fisher Tracks
C--Data Forms
Chapter 5
Snow Tracking
James C. Halfpenny, Richard W. Thompson, Susan C. Morse, Tim Holden, and Paul Rezendes
Introduction
Survey Season and Snow Conditions
Defining the Survey Area
Searching for Tracks
Route Selection, Mode of Travel, and Duration
Topographic Considerations
Survey Frequency
Tracking at Bait Stations
Baits and Lures
Station Number and Distribution
Survey Duration and Check Frequency
Preparations for the Field
Background
Morphology of Carnivore Feet and Tracks
Footprints in Snow
Understanding Gaits
Measuring Tracks and Trails
Lynx, Wolverines, Fishers and Martens: Tracks and Trails
In the Field
Analyzing Tracks and Trails
Measuring Tracks and Trails in the Field
Track Preservation
Scat and Hair
Data Measurement
Inventory and Monitoring
Safety Concerns
Winter Hazards
Scat Collection Hazards
Costs
Equipment and Training
Tracking Equipment
Training in Tracking
References
Appendices
A--Minimum Outline Databases
B--Data Forms
C--Photographic Interpretation
