Effectiveness of pitfall/drift-fence systems for sampling small ground-dwelling lizards and frogs in southeastern Australian forests

Abstract

The effectiveness of various pitfall trap designs and pitfall/drift fence systems for sampling small ground-dwelling lizards and frogs in the forests of southeastern Australia was examined. Pitfall/drift fence systems employing long drift fences were more effective than short or no-fence systems in terms of the number of individuals and species caught, but were time consuming and caused considerable habitat disturbance. Various pitfall trap designs were compared. Generally, simple open-necked and funnel traps were more effective than traps with shelter and shelter/drift arm traps. It is suggested that in forested habitats, groups of individual open necked pitfall traps or short-fence systems may be just as effective and no more costly in installation time than systems employing long drift fences and more complex bap types.