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Making a Tracking Tunnel |
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A tracking tunnel is a device used to
monitor (watch) species numbers. Tracking tunnels are usually used to monitor rodents like
rats, mice stoats, hedgehogs etc. Tracking tunnels record the footprints of animals that
pass through the tunnel. Inside the tracking tunnel is a bait which is located at the
centre. The bait is usually something like peanut butter, where the smell attracts the
rodent. |
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In order to reach the
bait the rodent must walk through an inkpad. This pad puts ink on the bottom of the
rodent's feet. As the rodent goes to leave the tunnel a copy of their footprints is left
on the paper. From checking the paper one can then tell what type of rodents have been
around and how often they have been in the tunnels. This is done by using a footprint
chart. |
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| You will need: An old
cardboard box (large), Margarine container lid or similar, An old dish cloth or flannel,
Blank paper, Food colouring, Tape and stapler, 2 paper clips |
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Instructions:
1.Cut out a 40cm by 58cm piece of cardboard
2.Place the cardboard sideways (longest on its side)
3.With a ruler mark on measurements 2cm, 15cm, 30cm, and 43cm. Do this at the top and
bottom of the cardboard. Now join these marks together with a line. |
4.Scribe over the top of the lines you have drawn with a pair of scissors. Be careful not
to cut the cardboard.
5.Fold the box up to make a rectangle. Staple and or tape the 2cm flap to the side.
6.Cut your flannel /dishcloth to fit the shape of your margarine lid.
7.Cut two pieces of paper, 13-x 21 cm.
8.Dilute your food colouring in water.
9.Saturate your lid with contained flannel with the food colouring.
10.Place a teaspoon full of peanut butter in the centre of your lid.
11.Carefully slide the lid into the middle of the tracking tunnel. Try not to spill any.
12.At each end of the tracking tunnel place your blank paper and secure with a paper clip.
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Placing your tracking
tunnel
-Place your tracking tunnel in a small clearing, where creatures would naturally walk.
-Do not put it in a place, which is wide open, as it may be blown away by the wind or
soaked with rain.
-It is safer to fill you lid with food colouring at the location than to walk long
distances carrying it.
-Daily you will need to check whether there are any footprints. If there are replace the
paper with a clean piece. |
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