Capturing Mechanism and Sustainable Control of Plateau Pika (Ochotona curzoniae) Using a Grassland Guidance Trap System on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Infestations of small terrestrial mammals (e.g., rodents and lagomorphs) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau pose formidable challenges, which are exacerbated by the region's vast expanse and extreme environmental conditions. Conventional chemical treatments have proven unsustainable and environmentally detrimental, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. We introduce the Grassland Guidance Trap System (GGTS), an innovative control method specifically designed for ecologically sensitive plateau regions experiencing severe small terrestrial mammal infestations. In this study, we systematically investigated the capturing mechanisms of the GGTS and its sustained control effect during large-scale enclosed field deployment. The results demonstrate that the guide net achieves a 2.62-fold increase in the number of plateau pikas (<i>Ochotona curzoniae</i>) captured through targeted behavioral guidance; field-based behavioral trials confirm that the guide net significantly elevates plateau pikas' observation area entries and observation area duration in adjacent areas. The open-field test demonstrated that the movement distance and activity time of plateau pikas in the corner area of the device were both significantly higher than those in the central area. In addition, rigorous 600-day field tests across 400 hm² confirmed the system's exceptional efficacy, reducing plateau pika density by 46.38% within 100 m and 20.45% at 500 m. Notably, its effectiveness improved over time, highlighting its potential as a scalable, sustainable management solution. This research not only establishes the GGTS as a viable solution for plateau pika control but also represents a significant advancement in ecological plateau pika management, fostering long-term ecological balance on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.