Sampling animals

It is impossible to find and count all the animals in an area. You can get an idea of the variety and number by taking a sample. Pitfall traps are often used to sample the small invertebrates living on the ground. You are likely to trap beetles and other insects, as well as spiders and slugs.

Pitfall traps must be properly set up The top of the yoghurt carton should be level with the soil surface. Cover the trap with a stone or piece of wood to keep out the rain, to make it dark and to stop birds eating your catch.

The traps must be checked often to avoid the animals escaping or being eaten before they are counted.

As with most methods a large number of traps makes results more reliable and minimises the effects of unusual results.