The survey takes the form of a number of hair funnels containing an attractive (though ultimately unreachable) bait, with the funnels deployed along a line at approximately 2o metre intervals. The critters are attracted by the scent of the bait, enter the funnel, and leave their hairs behind on the sticky inner surface.
Here's what a funnel looks like - you can read more about them at Fauntech, along with other of their wildlife research equipment.
And here's what we're looking for......
This year we deployed two survey lines (18 funnels in all) and found definite bandicoot hairs in five, with traces of other species in another three. The experiences of other of our neighbours were mixed, with some properties with previous records of Southern Brown Bandicoot , this year reporting none. Foxes seem the likely culprit.
It's good to know that the little guys are still hanging on, and through studies like this we'll have some objective evidence as to whether they might just possibly be making a comeback.
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