In the field... with the Mammologists!

Our museum scientists were on an expedition to bring back specimens of never before studied mammals for careful research. This is very important to understanding the diversity of life that exists today so we can prevent it from disappearing in the future.

While in the field, our museum mammalogists used a variety of techniques to collect their data.

	Hiking to the Site
	First, you have to get to the field site. In Tam Dao, Dr. Horovitz and Dr. Can, our Vietnamese colleague, must first hike through the tall grass and over slippery rocks to reach the forest where they will conduct their research.
	Using a GPS
	It is important to always know where you are, as well as keep an accurate record of exactly where discoveries are made. A Global Positioning System (GPS) uses satellite readings to give an exact latitude and longitude of your location.
	Taking Field Notes
	Dr. Horovitz and Jim record the GPS readings and any other information about the study area into their field notebooks.
	Helpful Resources
	Dr. Horovitz and Jim brought several reference books to Vietnam to help them better understand the local wildlife. The NHM team also received copies of a book on mammals native to the area we would be studying from our Vietnamese colleagues.
	Investigating the Habitat
	Dr. Horovitz investigates the surroundings to look for evidence of mammals such as scat (droppings), burrows, or nibbled vegetation.
	Preparing the Bait
	The researchers use a type of root covered with peanut butter to attract rodents and other mammals to the traps.
	Preparing the Traps
	Dr. Horovitz, Dr. Can, and Jim hike into the forest at night to lay rodent traps. They will check the traps the next morning just after dawn. Jim adjusts the fencing of a trap line.
	Flagging the Trap Line
	Dr. Horovitz marks the location of each trap using fluorescent plastic tape. Without this flagging, it is easy to forget where the traps are located.