Distinguishing tracks of mink Mustela vison and polecat M. putorius

Targeted trapping and monitoring methods for mink rely on the correct identification of mink tracks on tracking plates. Previously, there has been no reliable method by which mink tracks can be distinguished from polecat tracks. We present a simple discriminant function based on three measurements t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of wildlife research 2008-05, Vol.54 (2), p.367-371
Main Authors: Harrington, Lauren A., Harrington, Andrew L., Macdonald, David W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Ecology
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
Life Sciences
Marine mammals
Monitoring methods
Mustela vison
Neomustela vison
Short Communication
Studies
Wildlife management
Zoology
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Summary:Targeted trapping and monitoring methods for mink rely on the correct identification of mink tracks on tracking plates. Previously, there has been no reliable method by which mink tracks can be distinguished from polecat tracks. We present a simple discriminant function based on three measurements that can be used to distinguish the tracks of mink and polecats on clay-based tracking plates with classification success greater than 90%. The method could potentially be used in other circumstances.
ISSN:1612-4642
1439-0574
DOI:10.1007/s10344-007-0145-8