Sample collection occurs annually during the rainforest dry season (June - August). Sample transport and analyses occur between September and April.
Mist nets are set up at multiple locations encompassing major habitat types surrounding the field station (terra firme, flood plain, swamp, bamboo, successional forest, primary forest, edge forest, etc). Mist netting occurs over 3 consecutive days at each location throughout the sample collection period.
This protocol is intended to be carried out by a team of no less than 3 individuals, including at least 2 trained personnel. Roles include (1) designated handler (2) sampling assistant (3) data recorder.
Mist nets are opened between 0500 and 1000 hours, and captures occur spontaneously throughout (~ 5 - 25 animals/event) -> animals are extracted from the net (1-2 minutes) -> transferred into a light and breathable cloth bag and held in order-of-capture in a nearby tent until processing (0 - 30 minutes) -> one-by-one animals are processed for morphometric measurements, photographs, nonlethal tissue collection, and placement of leg bands (~10 minutes) -> animals are immediately released at the site of capture, but away from mist nets.