Educamazônia - Educação, Sociedade e Meio Ambiente

EDIÇÃO ESPECIAL: PROTOCOLOS RAPELD

2025-07-31T18:20:23+00:00

LAPESAM, Humaitá, Amazonas, Brasil, Jul-dez, 2025.

EDIÇÃO ESPECIAL - PROTOCOLOS RAPELD E O AVANÇO DA CIÊNCIA ECOLÓGICA NA AMAZÔNIA E NO BRASIL

2025-07-25T18:05:36+00:00

Esta edição especial da Revista Educamazônia foi organizada para fortalecer o Programa de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade (PPBio), criado em 2004 pelo Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (MCTI) com o objetivo de promover pesquisas integradas e de longo prazo sobre a biodiversidade brasileira. O PPBio atua por meio de redes regionais em diversos biomas, integrando ciência, gestão e conservação. Uma dessas redes, o PPBio Amazônia Ocidental (PPBio AmOc), consolidou um dos maiores sistemas de monitoramento ambiental do país, com foco na coleta padronizada de dados ecológicos e na formação de pesquisadores. Esta edição especial reúne 22 protocolos metodológicos para inventário e monitoramento da biodiversidade e variáveis ambientais, desenvolvidos por especialistas de diferentes redes que aplicam o sistema RAPELD. Criado por pesquisadores do INPA, o RAPELD permite a coleta comparável de dados em diferentes escalas e biomas, respeitando as particularidades de cada região. A padronização promovida pelo RAPELD fortalece a qualidade e integração dos dados, permitindo análises ecológicas em larga escala, essenciais para a formulação de políticas públicas e ações de conservação. Ao disponibilizar esses protocolos em acesso aberto, a publicação oferece uma contribuição valiosa à formação de novos pesquisadores e ao fortalecimento institucional. Mais do que um repositório técnico, esta edição é um convite à colaboração científica e ao uso qualificado da informação na tomada de decisões ambientais. Convidamos a comunidade acadêmica e gestora a utilizar e ampliar este legado coletivo, promovendo práticas sustentáveis e eficazes para a conservação da biodiversidade brasileira.

PROTOCOL FOR COLLECTING GROUND-DWELLING AND ARBOREAL ANTS IN RAPELD SITES

2025-07-17T18:35:04+00:00

The lack of standardization in sampling methods and collection efforts among biodiversity studies undermines the integration of the sparse existing information. To overcome this challenge, large-scale standardized sampling networks, such as the RAPELD system adopted by the Brazilian Program for Biodiversity Research (PPBio), seem to be a suitable alternative for promoting the integration of biodiversity information. Ants are increasingly collected in biodiversity studies for their crucial ecological roles in soil and vegetation. Various sampling methods can be employed to study ants. The selection of a specific method, or a combination of them, is influenced by the survey's purpose, the extent of ant fauna to be assessed, as well as the time and funding available for the project. Here, we present key sampling methods for both ground-dwelling and arboreal ants that have been tested at various RAPELD sites managed by PPBio in the Amazon. Additionally, we discuss the perspectives on the application of each method based on previous studies.

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR SURVEYING FRUIT-FEEDING BUTTERFLIES IN RAPELD SYSTEM

2025-07-21T13:40:14+00:00

As borboletas são animais abundantes nas florestas tropicais e estão fortemente associadas a seus habitats. A guilda de borboletas frugívoras adquire suas necessidades nutricionais se alimentando de frutos apodrecidos, o que permite que sejam facilmente capturadas com armadilhas e iscas atrativas. A amostragem ativa com puçás também é frequentemente utilizada e pode complementar a amostragem de borboletas frugívoras que raramente caem em armadilhas, desde que haja um esforço amostral padronizado. Este protocolo propõe a utilização de dois métodos de amostragem padronizada de borboletas frugívoras no sistema RAPELD: amostragem passiva com armadilhas e iscas atrativas e amostragem ativa com auxílio de redes entomológicas (puçás). Apresentamos aqui, um protocolo adaptado e compatível com a iniciativa do Programa Nacional de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade – Programa Monitora/ICMBio. A implementação deste protocolo permite a coleta padronizada de dados de borboletas frugívoras, que podem ser integrados aos demais tipos de dados biológicos e ambientais coletados no sistema RAPELD (ex., aves, composição florística, estrutura da vegetação). Com isso, esse protocolo permite medir não apenas as mudanças nas populações e comunidades ao longo do tempo, mas também avaliar como essas variações estão associadas com as mudanças ambientais e de outros grupos biológicos associados às borboletas.

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR DUNG BEETLES (SCARABAEIDAE: SCARABAEINAE) IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-18T18:05:20+00:00

Dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) are widely used as bioindicators of habitat quality in biodiversity studies due to their environmental sensitivity, broad geographic distribution, and ease of collection. In addition, they perform essential ecological functions in ecosystems, such as organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and secondary seed dispersal. Various capture methods are employed for sampling these beetles, and standardizing sampling protocols is crucial to ensure greater integration of databases and comparability of data across different areas. This study proposes the adoption of a minimum sampling protocol for dung beetles in RAPELD plots within the Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio), especially for studies on community and population ecology. The protocol consists of installing six pitfall traps, baited with human feces or a mixture of human and pig feces, at the 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250-meter marks of each plot. Samples should be collected after 48 hours, and the captured dung beetles sorted and identified in the laboratory. The use of baited pitfall traps with omnivore excrement, such as human feces or a mixture with pig feces, is an effective and consistent method for capturing dung beetles, allowing researchers to address questions at multiple levels of ecological organization. Furthermore, the standardized application of this dung beetle sampling protocol in RAPELD plots under PPBio will enable database integration, facilitate the comparison of patterns across regions, and optimize the execution of large-scale research.

PROTOCOL FOR SAMPLING ORCHID BEES (APIDAE: EUGLOSSINI) IN RAPELD PLOTS: USE OF SCENT TRAPS

2025-07-18T19:08:20+00:00

Orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) play a crucial ecological role as pollinators of numerous neotropical plants due to their diverse resource needs. The males exhibit a unique behavior of collecting aromatic compounds from various sources, such as orchid flowers and other plants, to use in mating displays. This distinctive biological trait has proven extremely useful for studies on community structure, as males can be easily attracted using artificial fragrance baits placed in their natural habitats. This work proposes the adoption of a minimal collection protocol for Euglossini bees in RAPELD plots within the Research Program, particularly for studies on community and population ecology. The proposed approach provides a foundation for future studies investigating the influence of environmental factors, such as edaphic variables and plant composition, on the diversity and distribution of Euglossini bees. Additionally, by optimizing sampling effort, this protocol contributes to the sustainability of monitoring practices, minimizing impact on local populations and maximizing the efficiency of available human and financial resources. In the long term, the adoption of this protocol is expected to inspire similar initiatives in other regions, expanding the data network on pollinators and promoting an integrated view of biodiversity. Further studies could explore, for example, the effects of plant-pollinator interactions across climatic gradients and the relationship between land-use changes and the ecological functionality of Euglossini bees.

PROTOCOL FOR THE MEDIUM-SIZE AND LARGE MAMMALS’ SAMPLE OF THE RAPELD SYSTEM THROUGH THE LINE TRANSECT METHOD

2025-07-18T18:53:47+00:00

Researchers have been using methods to monitor medium- and large-bodied mammals in natural environments, employing the line-transect method since the 1970s. This method involves recording species along predefined trails, where observers document animal sightings, noting information such as location, date, time, and the perpendicular distance of the animal from the trail, among other details. In this context, we propose a sampling protocol for medium- and large-bodied terrestrial and arboreal mammals using the line-transect method within the RAPELD trail system. The proposed protocol includes materials to be taken into the field, trail maintenance, data to be recorded for each species sighting, procedures for conducting censuses along the trails, method assumptions, sampling effort, data quality assessment, best practice recommendations, data management, and perspectives on the method’s application within the RAPELD system. This protocol not only supports monitoring the populations of medium- and large-bodied mammals but is also applicable to other vertebrate species, including medium- and large-bodied birds and reptiles, particularly in studies aimed at assessing anthropogenic impacts on the density of specific species.

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR BIRDS IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-21T20:48:56+00:00

Monitoring biodiversity to understand changes over time and space is one of the main purposes of the RAPELD method. Ensuring data reliability requires standardized data collection methods for each group investigated. Birds are excellent models for ecological studies, as many species serve as indicators of environmental quality. This work aims to standardize bird data collection in RAPELD plots, updating the protocol for understory bird surveys through mist-netting and incorporating a point-count sampling method. Understory bird sampling with mist nets involves the distribution of 13 10-meter nets per plot, with guidance on adjusting for different net sizes, as well as specifications on essential data to be collected for each bird captured, such as morphometric measurements and banding. It also includes practical suggestions to improve sampling success. In the point-count method, a central point per plot is established (distance 125 m), with 10 minutes of sampling per point; up to five points are surveyed daily (one per plot), starting at dawn with the shortest possible interval between points. Standardized data collection, even with different researchers and objectives, enables the creation of data series that can be used in future research, facilitating scientific integration and comparison across different regions of Brazil.

PROTOCOL FOR BAT CAPTURE USING MIST NETS IN THE RAPELD SAMPLING SYSTEM

2025-07-21T17:40:47+00:00

The data accumulated over the years by researchers are often difficult to handle in comparative studies due to differences in study designs and sampling efforts. Standardizing sampling methods allows comparisons between different locations and periods across a wide range of scales and environmental gradients, while also promoting researcher integration through data sharing. Our goal is to describe a bat capture protocol in RAPELD system plots, tested over decades of work, using ground-level mist nets that can be replicated by researchers in different Brazilian biomes. The minimum protocol consists of 10 mist nets, ideally measuring 10 × 3 meters each, installed along the central trail of each plot, alternating 10-meter segments. We suggest that each plot be sampled for at least four non-consecutive nights per year, with two nights during the rainy season and two nights during the dry season. We also propose adaptations to the protocol for specific cases related to equipment limitations and field conditions, while always maintaining a sampling effort of 100 meters of mist nets per plot per night. When defining sampling efforts, we also consider the challenges of capturing bats in remote locations with low infrastructure, as well as the proper processing and handling of captured bats and associated data. We also provide a list of equipment, describe some procedures adopted during captures, and suggest model spreadsheets for data and metadata

STANDARDIZED PROTOCOL FOR SAMPLING ANURANS, LIZARDS AND SNAKES IN RAPELD MODULES

2025-07-21T18:26:16+00:00

The RAPELD protocol aims to optimize sampling efficiency and ensure the standardization of collected data, thus allowing confident comparisons of herpetofauna studies conducted in different regions of Brazil. We describe standardized sampling protocols designed to collect high quality data for anurans and squamates at RAPELD modules implemented at PPBio sites. We developed a single protocol for anurans and snakes because each of these taxa can be sampled simultaneously during the rainy season using nocturnal monitoring. A separate protocol was developed for lizards because they are typically sampled during the daytime in the dry season and only occasionally at night. Ideally, each plot should be sampled three times per season. In comparatively more remote areas, where monitoring at different times of the year is not feasible, sampling should be conducted over three consecutive days during the appropriate season for the focal group. Active sampling methods should be applied at the plots, including active searching, auditory recording, and litter turning. Using a standardized method for monitoring terrestrial herpetofauna is essential for obtaining data on a large scale and over long periods. It enables comparisons between different ecosystems and environments with varying levels of human influence, while also allowing continuous and replicable studies to be conducted across various locations and periods. Our methods using RAPELD result in data that can be compared between biomes within Brazil and between Brazilian biomes and ecosystems on other continents.

PROTOCOL FOR SOIL SAMPLING AND MONITORING IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-21T19:50:29+00:00

This document outlines a standardized protocol for soil sampling and monitoring within RAPELD system plots, ensuring data comparability and study reproducibility in Amazonian soils and other biomes. Detailed methodologies are provided for analyses of granulometry, fertility, carbon (total, labile, and pyrogenic), heavy metals, microorganisms, and soil density. The protocol underscores the importance of standardization to understand ecological dynamics, such as carbon sequestration, water retention, fertility, and toxicity. Additionally, it proposes the creation of soil databases for integrated studies, contributing to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

HOW TO MEASURE GROUNDWATER DEPTH: PROTOCOL FOR PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION

2025-07-21T20:20:01+00:00

Groundwater depth is an easy, direct measure that can be done with a low cost in the field, and consists of accessing the underground superficial water. The water availability in the soils affects a myriad of organisms, influencing its distribution. In some areas that are subjected to periodic floods, the groundwater depth affects directly the survival of some species. To measure this variable, we can utilize piezometers, which consist of PVC pipes installed in the field that can remain at the sampling site for years without needing to be substituted. The groundwater-depth mesurements can be done monthly using a modified tape measureme and the result is registered in a spread sheet. This variable can be correlated many other ecological variables.

DECOMPOSITION RATES AND FINE LITTER STABILIZATION FACTOR IN PPBIO GRIDS USING TEA BAG INDEX (TBI)

2025-07-21T20:37:40+00:00

Studies on litter decomposition rates are necessary to understand how ecosystems function. The lack of standardization of traditional methods affects our aggregate perception of how environmental conditions determine decomposition rates in different ecosystems. Investigations of this nature form the framework of information needed to model carbon fluxes and stocks derived from forest necromass - a topic directly related to the role of tropical ecosystems in the global warming mitigating. The objective of this document is to present a standardized protocol to estimate the decomposition rate and stabilization factor of fine litter adjusted to the permanent plots that use the RAPELD sampling system in the grids and research modules of the Biodiversity Research Program – PPBio. The protocol is based on the application of the TBI (Tea Bag Index) method – a configuration of steps for rapid acquisition of field data that can easily be adopted as a reference for studies that seek to determine the influence of environmental conditions on the decomposition and stabilization rates of different ecosystem formations.

PROTOCOL FOR SAMPLING TERRESTRIAL HERBACEOUS PLANTS IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-22T12:44:23+00:00

Terrestrial herbs (ferns, lycophytes, and non-palm monocotyledons) play essential ecological roles in tropical ecosystems. However, there are still large gaps in knowledge about the ecology of this group. This method also aims to facilitate the assessment of biodiversity in tropical forests. In recent decades, several sampling methods have been applied to investigate the structure and distribution of terrestrial herbs. Among these methods, the RAPELD sampling method has among its objectives obtaining data comparable to those of other groups of plants and animals sampled in the same plots. In this article, we describe the RAPELD method for standardized sampling of terrestrial herbs and detail the criteria for conducting floristic inventories and how to measure species coverage using the point intercept method. Although it has been primarily used in the Amazon, this protocol can also be used as a tool, allowing the integration of ecological data from different ecosystems. It is expected that future inventories carried out with this protocol will contribute significantly to filling knowledge gaps on herbaceous plants and, more broadly, on tropical plant diversity.

PROTOCOL FOR SAMPLING TREES AND LIANAS IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-22T19:08:01+00:00

The Amazon, the largest continuous tropical forest, is facing increasing stress from global warming, drought, deforestation and fires. Deforestation is the biggest threat to tree species today, but climate change could surpass it within decades. Global collaborative networks have been created to fill knowledge gaps, manage data and improve the management of long-term monitoring research sites, aiming to understand tropical ecological systems and conserve biodiversity. The RAPELD system and its vegetation structure protocol focus on integrating data and examining changes in the structure, dynamics and functional composition of forests, understanding their persistence and rates of local, regional and landscape modification.

PALM INVENTORY PROTOCOL IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-22T19:33:43+00:00

We present here the protocol for sampling palms in RAPELD plots, which can be used individually or as a complement to the protocol for trees and lianas. In addition to the arborescent palms, we include acaulescent palms and understory palms in the sampling strips of the plots. The protocol aims to add more details to the sampling of the arboreal structure conducted in the RAPELD plots with the intention of better representing biodiversity.

PROTOCOL FOR FUNGI SAMPLING IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-22T20:26:11+00:00

Fungi are essential organisms for the functioning of ecosystems, playing crucial roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling and establishing symbiotic relationships with various organisms. This paper presents standardized protocols for sampling fungi in RAPELD plots, covering macrofungi, decomposer microfungi and entomopathogenic fungi. The methods described aim to facilitate studies of biodiversity, ecology and biotechnological potential of Brazilian fungi. For decomposer fungi, the protocol details collection techniques in terrestrial and aquatic environments, followed by laboratory procedures for isolation and identification. Sampling macrofungi involves active searching in a defined area, with emphasis on photographic documentation and proper preservation of the samples. For entomopathogenic fungi, a systematic search for infected insects is described, with guidelines for collection and preservation. The methods are designed to be economical and applicable in places with limited resources. The implementation of these protocols in the Amazon biome, using the RAPELD method, aims to facilitate collaborative data integration throughout the biome. The results are expected to significantly expand understanding of fungal diversity, distribution and ecology in different phyto-physiognomies of the Amazon, as well as in other biomes. In addition, the protocols make it possible to collect specimens for biotechnological studies, enabling the discovery of new bioactive compounds, industrial enzymes and biological control agents. The standardization of sampling techniques also facilitates comparisons between different regions over time, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of fungal communities and their role in ecosystems

PROTOCOL FOR SAMPLING MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED TERRESTRIAL AND ARBOREAL MAMMALS USING CAMERA TRAPS IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-23T10:01:02+00:00

Using camera traps for sampling mammals has become increasingly common in recent years, enabling the integration of data from different research groups. However, for even more efficient integration, it is essential to standardize sampling methods for inventories and monitoring of medium and large mammals using camera traps (CTs). Consistent protocols are fundamental to ensure data comparability across different spatial and temporal scales, improving the understanding of population dynamics and ecosystem health, and optimizing conservation efforts. In this regard, our work proposes a standardized minimum protocol with guidelines for sampling medium and large mammals using CTs in RAPELD plots. These guidelines address pre- and post-fieldwork procedures, and schedules to account for weather conditions. The protocol also covers technical aspects of installation, such as camera height and orientation, to ensure effective image capture. The use of CTs allows continuous monitoring, and a minimum operational period of 30 days is suggested for efficient recordings, with periodic inspection for maintenance and battery replacement. Data screening and spreadsheet organization are discussed with suggestions to optimize the organization and analysis of captured information. By implementing this standardized protocol, we hope to facilitate data integration in future studies, promoting a unified approach for monitoring and conserving mammals in Neotropical ecosystems. This methodology can be adapted for various environmental contexts and has the potential to significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation strategies and natural resource management.

BIODIVERSITY SAMPLING PROTOCOL VIA PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING

2025-07-23T10:44:44+00:00

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a non-invasive method that allows the assessment of biodiversity and the monitoring of ecological processes and environmental impacts. The recordings capture biological, geophysical, and anthropogenic sounds, enabling analyses of the soundscape, detection of organisms, and quantification of anthropogenic impacts such as noise pollution and hunting. With technological advances and the use of standardized methods like RAPELD, PAM has the potential to expand comparative studies and support conservation efforts. Here we present a protocol for the use of passive acoustic monitoring in RAPELD systems. We recommend that at least one recorder be used and installed at the center of the RAPELD plot (~125 m). The recording configurations, as well as the number of days and sampling times, will depend mainly on the nature of the sounds to be sampled (audible or ultrasonic) and on the equipment chosen for sampling. In this protocol, we present some options aimed at the standardization and comparability of data. Additionally, we suggest some best practices for conducting data collection, as well as for the subsequent storage and sorting of the data. Using this protocol, it would be possible to access information about populations and communities of various acoustically active organisms, such as insects, anurans, birds, bats, and primates, in addition to soundscapes.

COLLECTION PROTOCOL FOR AQUATIC INSECT INVENTORY IN THE AMAZON USING THE RAPELD SYSTEM WITH EMPHASIS ON EPHEMEROPTERA, PLECOPTERA, TRICHOPTERA, ODONATA, AND HETEROPTERA

2025-07-24T16:48:32+00:00

Aquatic insects are widely used in environmental assessments of freshwater ecosystems, but the diversity of sampling methods compromises the comparability of results. Standardizing sampling procedures is essential for data integration, the construction of temporal and spatial series, and the assessment of the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. In this article, we present a sampling protocol for monitoring aquatic insect biodiversity in the Amazon and other Brazilian biomes, focusing on the key groups Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, and Heteroptera (EPTOH). The protocol follows guidelines adopted by the Long-Term Ecological Research Program (PELD) and the Biodiversity Research Program in Western and Eastern Amazonia (PPBio), ensuring the application of standardized and replicable methods across different research contexts, aligned with ICMBio’s Aquatic Monitoring Program (Programa Monitora Aquático). In addition to describing materials and methods, we discuss the perspectives of standardization, highlighting its importance for conducting large-scale studies and integrating data across different Amazonian regions, and more broadly, across various regions of Brazil. The adoption of a single protocol will facilitate the compilation of robust historical series, which are essential for formulating public policies aimed at biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of water resources in Brazil. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of aquatic insects as bioindicators of environmental integrity, encouraging scientific collaboration and strengthening research networks in the Amazon and throughout Brazil.

IGARAPÉS PROTOCOL: A STANDARDIZED APPROACH FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STREAM FISH AND ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES IN RAPID SURVEYS AND LONG-TERM MONITORING

2025-07-24T18:54:19+00:00

The fish sampling protocol used in RAPELD sites was adapted from the Igarapés Project, based on studies initially conducted in streams of the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve in Manaus. Since the creation of the protocol, several studies have been conducted, and more research groups have started using it in research sites across the Amazon and other Brazilian biomes. The sampling protocol was designed to be simple, practical, efficient, and low-cost, allowing for quick assessments of stream fish diversity. The use of standardized techniques and sampling effort also enables long-term ecological studies in streams across different biomes. Here, we present a detailed and illustrated description of the methodological procedures of the fish sampling protocol for rapid surveys and long-term studies, including a brief synthesis of the protocol's use and applicability, as well as the main information generated from a standardized method for studying stream ichthyofauna.

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR AMAZONIAN CHELONIANS IN RAPID ASSESSMENTS AND LONG-TERM MONITORING IN STREAMS AND TERRA FIRME FORESTS

2025-07-24T19:50:24+00:00

Despite the advances in knowledge about chelonian species over the past two decades, there remains a significant gap in information regarding the species inhabiting forests and stream habitats. The lack of detailed descriptions of collection procedures in many studies hinders their replication, while variations in collection methods across studies compromise the comparability of data between different locations and time periods. Therefore, the development of a standardized data collection protocol for chelonians is essential, allowing for the integration and comparison of data across different spatial and temporal scales. This protocol is applicable both to RAPELD systems and other locations with a variety of water bodies. The protocol encompasses diverse methods for collecting data on chelonians and their habitats, aiming to ensure a good representation of species and refined data on environmental characteristics.

STANDARDIZED PROTOCOL FOR THE SAMPLING AND MONITORING OF VECTOR DIPTERANS IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-24T20:10:50+00:00

Assessing the occurrence and diversity of vectors is essential for understanding their dissemination and for planning the surveillance and prevention of diseases and epidemics. Among the most diverse groups of vectors, dipterans stand out, particularly the families Culicidae, Ceratopogonidae, Psychodidae, and Simuliidae, which include vectors of several diseases that have impacted human health for millennia. In this paper, we propose a protocol for assessing vector biodiversity using the RAPELD method. We suggest using two CDC traps per plot, activated for two consecutive nights. We also describe adaptations if the protocol is intended for all four mentioned families or a methodological simplification that excludes Culicidae. In addition, we briefly describe the method for assessing infection, diversity, and parasitemia of the collected dipterans. We suggest that applying this method on a large geographic scale will provide a better understanding of vector biodiversity and its determining factors.

SMALL MAMMAL SAMPLING PROTOCOL IN RAPELD PLOTS

2025-07-24T20:46:24+00:00

Protocols are foundational documents to ensure the standardization of services, containing rules and instructions that allow replicability, thus ensuring the quality of a service or product. RAPELD is a standardized method for various ecological samplings at different scales, which allows for comparison between different studies. However, merely using the RAPELD modules does not guarantee sufficient standardization for comparisons or study integration. The variation in techniques used in different samplings makes comparison and integration of studies difficult. For the synthesis of quality data, it is desirable that sampling protocols be implemented to ensure minimal standardization of data collection. To this end, we present a sampling design that can be used as a protocol for capturing small mammals in RAPELD plots; we also present data organization spreadsheets aimed at management efficiency in the integration process. We recommend the use of 26 live capture traps, alternating between type and soil stratum and understory (when available), as well as the use of canopy traps, aquatic plot traps, and pitfalls.