International mammal trapping standards, Part III: Restraining trap systems

International mammal trapping standards, Part III: Restraining trap systems

In this paper, we propose standards for restraining trap systems based on Proulx et al.’s (2022a) prerequisites, which provide context and explanations for our approach. Our aim is to identify assessment protocols that are based on the scientific method, and that include evaluation parameters and threshold levels of acceptation, and laboratory and field procedures, to recognize mammal trapping systems that are acceptable from an animal welfare, and capture efficiency and selectivity, point of view. The testing of restraining trap systems consists of 3 steps: 1) Mechanical evaluation for leghold trapping devices; 2) Restraining tests in semi-natural environments; and 3) Restraining tests on traplines. On the basis of the normal approximation to the binomial distribution, a restraining trap system is acceptable if, at a 95% confidence level, it holds ≥85% of the animals without serious injuries (<50 points), signs of distress or exertion during ≥50% of captivity time, and without significant elevated stress, exertion or dehydration for the duration of the captivity period. We recommend that these standards be implemented and continuously updated as new designs and technology is developed.

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