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Control vertebrate pests and predators using traps

URN: LANCS78
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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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) and develop and implement a trapping regime using legal methods to effect their control. 

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

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out the activity safely in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment
  3. use relevant methods to monitor and interpret signs to determine vertebrate pest and predator activity
  4. modify monitoring activities to take account of seasonal variations, prevailing weather conditions and habitat
  5. recognise the common vertebrate pest and predator species
  6. identify the presence of non-target species
  7. determine where trapping would be the best course of action to deal with pests and predators, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice on the taking of mammals and birds
  8. check whether a species-specific licence is required and confirm it is in place
  9. develop a trapping regime to control vertebrate pests and predators
  10. select a trapping method appropriate to the vertebrate pest and predator species, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice on the use of different types of traps and snares and the requirements for training or certification
  11. check and confirm that the selected traps are in good working order 
  12. establish traps in suitable locations to effectively catch target vertebrate pest and predator species and to minimise the impact on non-target species
  13. use relevant methods to monitor traps 
  14. maintain traps according to the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice, checking function, feeding and watering
  15. approach trapped vertebrate pests and predators in a manner that maintains your personal safety
  16. dispatch trapped vertebrate pests and predators humanely in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  17. release non-target species back into the wild in a manner that promotes their health and wellbeing and is consistent with the relevant legal requirements
  18. dispose of dead vertebrate pests and predators correctly, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  19. maintain pest and predator control records, in accordance with the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant health and safety requirements and risks associated with the monitoring and trapping of vertebrate pests and predators, including the dangers of lone working
  2. the clothing and personal protective equipment that should be worn 
  3. the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice that control the use of different types of traps and snares 
  4. how to select suitable traps and when training or certification may be required in the use of certain traps, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  5. the pest and predator species covered by nation-specific requirements for general licences, when a species-specific licence is required and how to apply for these
  6. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and conservation legislation in relation to the monitoring and control of vertebrate pests and predators
  7. the common vertebrate pest and predator species and how to recognise and interpret signs to determine pest and predator activity
  8. the methods of monitoring the presence of vertebrate pests and predators, including the use of technology
  9. the significance and potential effects of vertebrate pest and predator activity to the site and its purpose, as well as on animal and plant populations
  10. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can be used in selecting a trapping regime
  11. 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
  12. how to identify non-target species in the trapping area 
  13. how to limit the impact of trapping on non-target species
  14. the 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
  15. how to maintain the condition of the live decoy, where appropriate
  16. how to humanely dispatch different vertebrate pest and predator species
  17. how to dispose of dispatched vertebrate pests and predators safely and in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  18. the nation-specific legislation and codes of practice relating to the release of trapped animals 
  19. the methods of releasing different non-target species safely in a way that promotes their health and wellbeing
  20. how to minimise the dangers of disease or personal injury caused by handling trapped animals
  21. the requirements for maintaining accurate and up-to-date pest and predator control records 

Scope/range

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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

Establish, monitor and maintain two of the following traps:
• spring
• CO2 powered
• cage
• snare

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANCS78

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

pest; predator; vertebrate; trap