Hello Ecologgers
I have recently begun a project where I am looking to trap tropical stream dwelling crayfish species in low density sites and seasons. My previous experience with trapping crayfish has been relatively easy, putting baited minnow or crab traps out for a couple of days (baited with cat food, fish carcasses or liver – fish-based canned cat food seems to be the best) and return to traps filled with crayfish. However, I have only trapped crayfish when densities are relatively high, in the late spring/summer. I am looking to trap them in the off season (winter) when I expect densities are low. Using my old methods, I am having no luck. My question for you is do you have any suggestions as to how I should go about trapping crayfish species when densities are low? Should my bait be more smelly and thus more attractive to them? Or maybe a different location in the stream? I’m placing the trap near the bank but fully submerged and lots of aquatic vegetation around. I have seen animals around these sites in the summer and fall, so I know they inhabit these waters - I just need help coaxing them out of hiding. Thank you for your help! -Laura Laura Brannelly PhD Candidate One Health Research Group School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
