A method for determining optimum distance between traps on line transects

Line transects are often the choice of trap layout for studies of species composition and relative abundance within communities of small mammals. We presented a method for determining the optimum distance between traps on lines that will yield a uniform sampling area for each traps and thus maximize catch per effort. The method relies on finding the minimum intertrap distance at which captures are equal in both inner and end traps of short lines. We tested the method in two conifer forest communities of the Sierra Nevada of California.