Control vertebrate pests and predators using traps LEGACY

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 presenceof 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 relevant 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 selected traps are in good working order
7. establish traps in suitable locations to effectively catch target vertebrate pest and predator species and to minimise their impact on non-target species
8. monitor and maintain traps according to relevant legal requirements (checking function, feeding and watering)
9. approach trapped vertebrate pests and predators in a manner that maintains your personal safety
10. dispatch trapped vertebrate pests and predators humanely
11. release non-target species back into the wild in a manner that promotes their health and wellbeing and is consistent with relevant legal requirements
12. dispose of waste and mortalities responsibly, according to relevant legal requirements
13. maintain accurate trapping records.

1. the relevant health and safety requirements and risks associated with monitoring and trapping of vertebrate pests and predators
2. the relevant legislation and codes of practice that control the use of different types of traps and snares
3. how to select suitable traps and when training may be required in the use of certain traps
4. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and conservation legislation in relation to monitoring vertebrate pests and predators
5. the common vertebrate pest and predator species and how to identify them
6. the significance and potential effects of vertebrate pest and predator activity to the site and its purpose
7. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can be used in selecting a trapping regime
8. the effects of the seasons and weather conditions on monitoring pestand predator populations and how methods can be adapted to take account of these changes
9. the effects of vertebrate pests and predators on animal/plant populations
10. how to identify non-target species in the trapping area
11. how to limit the impact of trapping on non-target species
12. trapping methods and their correct implementation, including how to position traps with due regard to the presence of non-target species and members of the public in the trapping area
13. how to maintain the condition of the live decoy, where appropriate
14. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can assist the trapping process
15. how to humanely dispatch different vertebrate pest and predator species
16. how to dispose of dispatched vertebrate pests and predators safely
17. the methods of releasing different non-target species safely in a way that promotes their health and wellbeing
18. how to minimise the dangers of disease or personal injury caused by handling trapped animals
19. the reasons for keeping accurate, up-to-date records of vertebrate pests and predators

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