Proceedings of the First Symposium on Marsupials in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract

The bait interference method of possum assessment put forward by Bamford (1970) has been tested in a range of areas and the simple model found inadequate. However if time is added as a variable such that:

Relative density = -1/i log e (1-f) × 100

where i is a time estimator

and f is the frequency of interference with bait stations, a stable estimate of relative density is obtained.

Sample design is strongly constrained by the method of baiting and other practical considerations. A number of problems may also arise in the design of the bait stations and choice of bait used.