Trapping of stone martens (Martes foina Erx.) using a lawn trap under the aspect of animal and species protection as well as safety

On the basis of data collected lawn traps can be classified as "immediately deadly" traps with a killing efficiency of 100% for martens. This statemen t can be scientifically supported to extend to pole cats and minks, however , not to fox. The observations made within the framework of this investigat ion furthermore show that among the selected dimensions, trap heights, and weights of the traps used, practically all animals were completely hit by t he falling part of the trap. Hence, lawn traps as "immediately deadly" trap systems comply with the lega l restrictions applying to the crapping of native mustelids under prevalent hunting laws.