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TRAPPING METHODS FOR TROPICAL WATERFOWL


Methods typically used to catch small- to large-sized waterbirds in tropical Australia are outlined. Detail is provided on a number of commonly used techniques, including licensing requirements, required levels of expertise, logistical support and general costs. Further, a case study of two capture methods (cannon-netting and cage-traps) used to secure waterbirds in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory is provided. Following three years of experimentation, we found cage traps best suited our needs. This trapping method is described herein. It required little expertise, was relatively inexpensive and secured 73 Magpie Geese Anseranas semipalmata and 129 ducks (Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni and Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah) in three consecutive operations. The more labour-intensive and expensive cannon-nets allowed us to secure 67 Magpie Geese and 103 ducks over the same time period.

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