Reduction of small mammal sampling (DP1.10072.001) at some sites
January 31, 2024
Beginning in the 2024 field season, there will be a maximum of 4 bouts of small mammal sampling (DP1.10072.001) per year at all sites as well as a maximum of 6 mammal grids per site. We are also introducing a low intensity sampling regime of 1 bout per year at 3 sites (DSNY, LENO, BARR) with extremely low capture rates, diversity, and pathogen infection.
Prior to 2024, there were six bouts of small mammal sampling per year at most core sites (HARV, SCBI, OSBS, UNDE, KONZ, ORNL, TALL, WOOD, CPER, CLBJ, NIWO, SRER, ONAQ, WREF, SJER) and several sites sampled 7-8 grids per site (CLBJ, CPER, ORNL, SERC, SJER, TALL, TOOL, BONA and UNDE).
This decision was based on analyses of all available small mammal trapping data through 2022. Analyses are congruent with the framework for NEON Observational Sampling Design Optimization and indicated that 4 bouts of sampling per year and 6 grids per site are sufficient to characterize the community at most sites. Similarly, a low intensity sampling of just 1 bout per year at low-yield sites (e.g., those with low captures, diversity, and pathogen infection) was deemed to be a more effective use of resources. The Small Mammal Technical Working Group concurred with all sample reductions.
Please use the Contact Us form for further inquiries; please select DP1.10072.001 in the Data Product dropdown list and include the term "RITM0057413" in the body of your request.
