Studying Mammals

Identification is the key to exciting hobbies. Once you have begun to study mammals, many possibilities open up.

Observing Mammals
Observing Mammals means more than just identification. See how they live, feed, protect themselves and raise their young. This requires immense patience. Whether its getting up early or staying up late, your time schedule must be according to the subject in question. Binoculars are essential. So are warm, comfortable clothes, a notebook and sometimes a blind or camouflaged shelter. Most of the economic species have been studied by professional zoologists. Many smaller and less important species still need a lot of attention and research. Experienced amateurs, noting detailed observations can make a zoological contribution by recording facts on feeding habits, burrows, runways, nests, calls and behaviour of local mammals.

Photographing Mammals
Photographing Mammals can augment your observations. Learn to know your camera first and the habits of your subjects next. Attempt simple and easy subjects first. light is often poor, so a good lens or flash equipment is important. Animal photography cannot be rushed. Food and water bait often help. Learn to set up camera so that cameras will take their own pictures.

Collecting Tracks
Mammal Tracks on soft earth, mud, clay or snow tell what animal passed over it or through it, its size and how fast it was moving. Tracks left clearly on soil or mud can be preserved. Simple materials- plaster of paris, some tin cans without tops or bottoms and a small brush are all that is needed. Clean twigs and lose dirt from the tracks. Select a can that fits over the track with space to spare. Cover the inside of the can with a thick coat of vaseline. Mix your plaster and water till it is thick like cream. Pour it in the can till it forms a layer about an inch thick. Plaster will dry in an hour or so; do not disturb till then. Remove cast from can; clean, mount and label.

Collecting Mammals
Collecting Mammals is something for more advanced students and is necessary if you want to prepare skins or study skulls and teeth. Special trapping permits may be required. A variety of traps from mouse-size up may be used. Placing of traps effectively comes only with experience. Mammals caught in live traps may be kept as pets or they may be studied briefly, photographed and turned loose thereafter.

Mammals as Pets
Our best pets are domesticated mammals. Wild ones when captured young make fine pets, too. Be sure to observe the law in capturing them. Raccoons, skunks and tree squirrels make good pets. Flying squirrels, white-footed mice and chipmunks do well in captivity. There are many other animals that can be tamed and kept as pets. Be sure that you can provide proper food, clean drinking water and a satisfactory shelter. The owner must always take out the time to play with his pet if he wants to keep it tamed. Experts at zoos can also be a great source of help, advice and knowledge.

Preparing Skins and Skulls
Preparing Skins and Skulls takes skill. If you want to try taxidermy, start with a squirrel or a rat. Find someone who can give you a few tips and lessons on this subject. Ability to prepare skins is needed in advanced zoological study. The novice can often learn more from observing live mammals in the wild or at zoological parks.

Museums and Zoos
Museums and Zoos are fine places to study. Use them to supplement your field work. Experts at these places are always glad to answer questions and give advice.