Abstract
Drift fences with traps are commonly used for ecological research and survey. Field studies have examined the effectiveness of selected fence layouts, but comprehensive field testing is impractical. We applied a simulation approach to investigate how the interaction of fence layout and animal movement type influence fence encounter rates. A range of fence layouts, varying in spacing and configuration, were chosen based on common field practices and recommendations in the literature. Animal movement patterns ranged from meandering (Brownian) to highly directional over distances of 10 to 500 m. We found that fences in short, straight, widely spaced arrangements would be encountered more frequently by highly mobile animals than the same amount of fence in complex or continuous configurations. The dispersed arrangement was encountered just as often by animals with more limited movement patterns as were closer spaced fences. Consequently, for broad‐scale surveys, as opposed to studies on individuals' movements and microhabitat use, we recommend spacing trap/fence units in relation to the movement abilities of the most mobile species being sought. For studies that require intense point sampling, additional fencing should increase the total rate that animals encounter fences at a point but the increase will not be proportional to the additional fencing used. The software is provided to allow for other configurations of fences and movement patterns to be investigated.
Highlights
Part of the consideration when planning a field study is the optimal layout of traps to answer the question being considered
An input parameters file allowed an orthogonal combination of movement patterns and fence layouts to be specified, together with the number of replicate simulations to run for each combination
3 5 grid were encountered by simulated animal movement paths varied with location of the fence within the grid (Figs. 3–6), spacing between fences (Figs. 3–12), and movement behavior (Figs. 7–13)
Summary
Part of the consideration when planning a field study is the optimal layout of traps to answer the question being considered. Fences are thought to increase capture rates by acting as barriers to animal movement, directing them towards the traps (Braithwaite 1983, Morton et al 1988, Friend et al 1989). Where the movement is complex, pathways are unknown or where there are numerous species with different movement patterns, it is less obvious how to design a layout of fences that would produce an efficient sampling regime. Field studies require considerable logistical input and biologists need to ELLIS AND BEDWARD maximize their detection rates to answer the ecological questions they are investigating in a cost effective way by choosing an appropriate design
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
