Control vertebrate pests and predators using traps

​This standard is about trapping vertebrate pests and predators. It relates to the work activities that you undertake to control vertebrate pests and predators using traps. It is aimed at those who work in wildlife management.

To meet this standard you will be able to identify the presence of vertebrate pests and predators (mammals or birds), develop a trapping regime to effect the control of pests and predators and run a trapping regime to legally control vertebrate pests and predators.

This standard is for those who use traps to control vertebrate pests and predators.

1. ​carry out work safely in line with health and safety requirements
2. monitor signs to determine vertebrate pest and predator activity
3. modify monitoring activities to take account of seasonal variations, prevailing weather conditions and habitat
4. develop a trapping regime to control vertebrate pest and predator populations
5. select a trapping method appropriate to the vertebrate pest and predator species
6. ensure the good working order of selected* *traps
7. establish traps in suitable locations to effectively catch target vertebrate pest and predator species and to minimise impact on non-target species
8. monitor and maintain traps according to legal requirements (checking function, feeding and watering)
9. approach trapped vertebrate pests and predators in a manner which maintains personal safety
10. dispatch trapped vertebrate pests and predators humanely
11. release non-target species back into the wild in a manner which promotes their health and wellbeing and is consistent with legal requirements
12. dispose of waste and mortalities responsibly according to legal requirements
13. maintain accurate trapping records.

1. ​the health and safety requirements and risks associated with trapping and monitoring activities
2. the individual's specific responsibilities under environmental and conservation legislation, in relation to monitoring vertebrate pests and predators
3. what are the common vertebrate pest and predator species
4. the significance and potential effects of common vertebrate pest and predator species to the site and its purpose
5. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can be used in selecting a* *trapping regime
6. the effects of the seasons and weather conditions on monitoring pest and predator populations and how methods can be adapted to take account of these changes
7. the effects of vertebrate pests and predators on animal/plant populations
8. how to identify non-target species in the trapping area and how to recognise their presence
9. the codes of practice that control trapping
10. how to identify common vertebrate pest and predator species
11. how to limit the impact of trapping on non-target species
12. trapping methods and their correct implementation including positioning
13. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can assist the trapping process
14. how to humanely dispatch different vertebrate pest and predator species
15. how to dispose of dispatched vertebrate pests and predators safely
16. methods of releasing different non-target species safely in a way which promotes their health and wellbeing
17. how to minimise the dangers of disease or personal injury caused by handling trapped animals
18. the reasons for keeping accurate, up-to-date vertebrate pest and predator records
19. how to identify suitability of chosen trap
20. how to maintain the condition of the live decoy, where appropriate.

​This standard requires that you are able to interpret at least five of the following* signs *to determine pest and predator activity:

• direct sightings
• runs
• footprints
• damage to habitat
• dead animals
• kills
• sounds
• smells
• droppings.

This standard requires that you establish, monitor and maintain the following* *traps:

• spring
• cage
• snare.

​trapping regime - e.g. the number of traps to be used, the type of traps to be used, the general location for the traps

vertebrate pests and predator -* *e.g. rabbits, stoats, weasels, foxes, crows, magpies, mink, rats, grey squirrels, etc.