| Virginia
Journal of Science.
2002. Vol 53 (4) : 181-189 |
| A
Baseline Assessment of Furbearers on the Upper Coastal Plain of
Virginia. A. Scott Bellows, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 and Conservation Management Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, Joseph C. Mitchell, Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia 23173 and Conservation Management Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061 ABSTRACT
We assessed the status of furbearing mammals on Fort A.P. Hill,
Caroline County, Virginia during the 1998-1999 trapping season with the
cooperation of local licensed trappers. Our analyses were based on 345
captures representing of 10 mammal species, ranging from one bobcat (Lynx rufus) to 157 beavers (Castor canadensis). Mean number of
captures per 100 trap nights was 17.0. Captures varied from 11.9 to
17.9 per 100 trap nights for conibear traps and 9.7 to 18.3 per 100
trap nights for leg-hold traps. External measurements of six species
were similar to those reported for other populations in the region. We
suggest that valuable insights into the ecology and trends of furbearer
populations can be obtained from studies conducted on government
installations such as Fort A. P. Hill. Management plans that include
evaluations of infectious disease reservoirs and transmission and
impacts of furbearers on wetlands, other wildlife, and human activities
would aid in long-term evaluation of these mammals from ecosystem and
health perspectives. Keywords: beaver, Castor canadensis, Coastal Plain, furbearer, mammals, morphometrics, raccoon, Procyon lotor, trapping, Virginia |