Rodent hair sampling device for seed diffusion experiment

Abstract

The invention discloses a rodent hair sampling device for a seed diffusion experiment, and relates to the technical field of agricultural test equipment, the rodent hair sampling device comprises a placement box, the placement box comprises a top cover, a bottom plate and a side plate, the side plate is made of a transparent material, a bait groove is formed in the bottom plate, a sampling channel is formed in the side plate, and a one-way sampling assembly is arranged in the sampling channel; the one-way sampling assembly comprises a storage plate detachably connected with the sampling channel, hooks obliquely facing the inner side of the placement box are arranged on the storage plate, the hooks are arrayed on the storage plate, and a hidden unit is arranged on the placement box. Animals enter the placement box relatively smoothly, and when the animals exit from the placement box and penetrate through the channel, body hair of the animals can be scraped and retained by the hooks, so that the purpose that the animals participating in experiments are sampled one by one is achieved, and non-invasive sampling is achieved. The transparent side plate is convenient for observation, and the hidden unit arranged on the whole device is favorable for reducing the abrupt feeling of the device in the field environment and reducing the interference on the behavior of the target animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural experimental equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] Seed dispersal is a core process in plant population renewal, community building, and ecosystem material cycling. Rodents, as major seed feeders and dispersers, directly determine the efficiency, distance, and distribution pattern of seed dispersal through their population structure, activity range, and foraging preferences, thus having a crucial impact on the maintenance of plant community diversity and ecological balance. In field seed dispersal experiments, collecting hair samples from rodents enables species identification and genetic diversity analysis, providing core data support for accurately elucidating seed dispersal mechanisms and quantifying the impact of different rodent species on plant populations. Therefore, hair sampling is an indispensable and crucial technical step in field seed dispersal experiments.

[0003] Currently, hair sampling in rodents for seed dispersal experiments mainly relies on traditional manual sampling, simple adhesive samplers, or general-purpose animal traps. Manual sampling requires trapping rodents and then manually collecting their hair. This method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive with low sampling efficiency, but it also causes severe stress damage to the animals, directly interfering with their subsequent foraging and dispersal behaviors, compromising the objectivity of the experimental environment, and distorting seed dispersal data. Furthermore, the range of individuals captured manually is limited, easily leading to mismatches such as "sampled individuals not participating in the seed dispersal experiment, and individuals participating in the seed dispersal experiment not being sampled." Simple adhesive samplers are mostly passive. Adsorption structures require fixation in the experimental site and rely on animals to actively contact and adsorb hair, resulting in highly random sampling that cannot achieve precise matching between the experimental individual and the hair sample. For example, the device for collecting hair from wild rodents disclosed in Chinese invention patent application number CN201910011865.0 can achieve rapid hair collection unaffected by the external environment, but it still requires active operation by staff. Animals are restrained by fixed arm sleeves, head and limb fixation straps, which is essentially still a "contact-based, restrictive sampling" method. This not only causes stress reactions in animals and interferes with their subsequent seed dispersal behavior, but also fails to address the core requirement of "strict matching between the sampled individual and the experimental individual".

[0004] In the actual conduct of field seed dispersal experiments, researchers need to obtain sufficient, complete, and precisely matched rodent hair samples to accurately identify species and analyze the underlying mechanisms of seed dispersal. However, existing technologies have significant shortcomings. The core problem is that it is impossible to accurately sample each individual rodent participating in the seed dispersal experiment, and it is inevitable that human intervention will interfere with the animals' natural behavior and damage the objectivity of the experimental environment. This significantly increases the workload and manpower costs of the experiment, and seriously restricts the in-depth development of research on seed dispersal mechanisms. Therefore, developing a dedicated sampling device that is adapted to the seed dispersal experiment scenario and can achieve automated and precisely matched collection of rodent hair without interfering with animal behavior and the experimental environment has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problems of existing technologies failing to achieve precise matching between rodent experimental individuals and hair samples in seed dispersal experiments, and the sampling process easily interfering with animal behavior. This invention provides a rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments, achieving precise correspondence between rodent individuals participating in the experiment and hair samples, while simultaneously achieving automated and non-invasive sampling, ensuring the objectivity of experimental data.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments includes a placement box comprising a top cover, a bottom plate, and side plates. The top cover is made of ABS engineering plastic with an IP65 waterproof rating. The side plates are made of transparent material. The bottom plate has a bait groove, and the side plates have a sampling channel detachably connected to the side plates. The sampling channel contains a one-way sampling component, which includes a shelf detachably connected to the sampling channel. The shelf has hooks angled towards the inside of the placement box, and the hooks are arrayed on the shelf. The placement box has a concealment unit comprising a camouflage layer with a natural texture covering the outside of the top cover and a height-adjustable support base at the bottom of the bottom plate.

[0008] The above scheme utilizes bait troughs on the base plate to attract rodents. Once lured, the animals enter the enclosure through a detachable sampling channel on the side plate. The key component installed within the channel is a unidirectional sampling assembly, primarily consisting of a detachable shelf with an array of hooks angled inwards towards the inside of the enclosure. Due to the unidirectional design of the hooks, animals enter the enclosure relatively smoothly, and when exiting, their fur is scraped and retained by these hooks as they pass through the channel, thus achieving non-destructive sampling. Because this device attracts wild rodents involved in seed dispersal (i.e., the experimental target individuals) to the enclosure through bait troughs in the natural environment, hair sampling is only performed on these experimental individuals. Non-experimental individuals are not attracted by the bait, thus achieving precise matching of experimental individuals and hair samples from the sampling source. This solves the core problems of strong sampling randomness and sample-experimental mismatch in existing technologies. The transparent side panels facilitate observation, while the concealment unit of the device helps reduce its conspicuousness in the field and minimizes interference with the behavior of the target animal, thereby ensuring sampling efficiency and the reliability of experimental data.

[0009] Furthermore, the back of the shelf is provided with positioning screw holes, the corresponding position of the sampling channel is provided with fixing bolts, the two sides of the shelf are provided with outwardly extending protrusions, and the sampling channel is provided with corresponding slots that slide and fit with the protrusions, the slots being set along the length direction of the sampling channel.

[0010] The above design incorporates positioning screw holes on the back of the shelf, which can be engaged with the fixing bolts on the passageway for secure locking. Simultaneously, the protruding ridges on both sides of the shelf slide precisely into the slots cut along the length of the passageway side panel. This design allows for quick and accurate installation and removal of the shelf. During operation, the sliding engagement of the ridges and slots ensures the shelf will not shift when subjected to animal scratching forces, while the tightening of the bolts provides the final safety guarantee.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner wall of the sampling channel is provided with a recessed groove, and the front end of the placement plate is configured as a protrusion adapted to the groove. The placement plate and the inner wall of the sampling channel are attracted by magnets.

[0012] Using the aforementioned design, the storage plate can be quickly and accurately aligned and adhered to the inner wall of the channel via built-in magnets. This process greatly simplifies the operation, allowing researchers to collect hair samples by hand without tools, enabling them to install or remove the storage plate. This significantly improves operational efficiency in the field and reduces the risk of sample contamination or device damage caused by complex loading and unloading processes.

[0013] Furthermore, the placement plate is provided with a pull rod with a pull ring on the side away from the groove, and the end of the pull rod extends out of the sampling channel.

[0014] With the above solution, when it is necessary to retrieve a sample tray containing hair, researchers do not need to reach their hands or tools into the channel. They can simply pull the ring from the outside to overcome the magnetic force and remove the tray. This process is not only simple and labor-saving, but also avoids potential sample contamination or interference with other components inside the channel caused by direct contact. It achieves contactless and convenient sample retrieval, improves the hygiene standards and user-friendliness of the device, and makes maintenance work after long-term field deployment much easier.

[0015] Furthermore, the side panel is provided with ventilation holes, which are evenly distributed on the upper part of the side panel. The ventilation holes are provided with mosquito nets inside, and the top cover is provided with a heat insulation layer made of polyurethane foam.

[0016] Through the above design, the evenly spaced ventilation holes on the upper part of the side panels, combined with the insect-proof mesh on the inside, ensure air circulation within the enclosure while preventing insect intrusion. The polyurethane foam insulation layer attached to the inside of the top cover effectively buffers the impact of external day-night temperature differences or severe weather on the microclimate inside the enclosure. These measures work together to provide the animals with a relatively comfortable and safe temporary living space.

[0017] Furthermore, the concealment unit includes a camouflage layer covering the outside of the top cover and a height-adjustable support base. The camouflage layer has a texture that resembles grass or bark. The support base is symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate and is equipped with height-adjusting bolts.

[0018] The above scheme utilizes a flexible material resembling grass or tree bark for the camouflage layer, effectively disrupting the device's regular shape and allowing it to visually blend into its surroundings. The support base adapts to uneven ground by rotating height-adjustable bolts, ensuring the entire placement box is stable and allowing the sampling channel entrance to seamlessly connect with the ground. On one hand, the highly realistic camouflage reduces the device's impact on wary rodents, increasing their willingness to enter; on the other hand, the adjustable support base ensures the device's stability and functionality across various terrains, keeping the sampling entrance in optimal condition at all times.

[0019] Furthermore, the placement box is equipped with ground-fixed anchor bolts around its perimeter.

[0020] The above approach improves the field durability of the device and the continuity of data acquisition. It ensures that the entrance position of the sampling channel remains unchanged over a long period, avoiding changes in experimental conditions or data loss due to device displacement.

[0021] Furthermore, the hooks on the shelf are made of flexible and wear-resistant plastic material, and the hooks have several different tilt angles, ranging from 30° to 60°. The ends of the hooks have a smooth, rounded arc structure.

[0022] The aforementioned design utilizes a hook made of flexible, wear-resistant plastic with a smooth, rounded end to minimize irritation to the animal's skin during hair removal. Furthermore, it offers models with various tilt angles, allowing researchers to select models suitable for rodent species of different body sizes and hair characteristics. These design elements work together to significantly enhance the device's species adaptability and sample retrieval integrity while ensuring efficient and harmless sample collection.

[0023] Furthermore, the placement box is also equipped with an infrared counting module and a temperature sensing module. The infrared counting module is fixed at the opening adjacent to the sampling channel, and the temperature sensing module is fixed to the inner wall of the placement box. The placement box is equipped with a wireless module, which is integrated with the infrared counting module. The wireless module is electrically connected to both the infrared counting module and the temperature sensing module and is powered by a built-in lithium battery.

[0024] The above scheme involves installing an infrared counting module near the sampling channel opening to automatically record the number of times animals enter and exit; a temperature sensing module monitors the ambient temperature inside the enclosure. The collected data is transmitted wirelessly to a remote terminal, and all modules are powered by built-in lithium batteries. This system enables 24 / 7 automated monitoring of the experimental site. It significantly reduces the workload and disruption caused by researchers frequently visiting field sites for manual inspections, and provides objective and continuous data on animal access frequency and environmental conditions, offering precise data support for analyzing the relationship between seed dispersal behavior and ecological environmental factors.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention features a simple structure, utilizing a bait groove on the base plate to attract rodents. Once lured, the animal enters the enclosure through a detachable sampling channel on the side plate. The key component installed within the channel is a unidirectional sampling assembly, primarily composed of a detachable shelf with an array of hooks angled inwards towards the inside of the enclosure. Due to the unidirectional design of the hooks, animal entry into the enclosure is relatively smooth, and when exiting, the animal's fur is scraped and retained by these hooks as it passes through the channel, thus achieving non-destructive sampling and reducing the risk of sample loss. The transparent side plate facilitates observation, while the overall concealment unit helps reduce its conspicuousness in the wild environment, minimizing interference with the target animal's behavior, thereby ensuring sampling efficiency and the reliability of experimental data. 2. An infrared counting module is installed near the sampling channel opening to automatically record the number of times animals enter and exit; a temperature sensing module monitors the ambient temperature inside the enclosure. The collected data is transmitted to a remote terminal via a wireless module, and all modules are powered by built-in lithium batteries. This system enables 24 / 7 automated monitoring of the experimental site. It not only significantly reduces the workload and disruption caused by researchers frequently visiting field sites for manual inspections, but also provides objective and continuous data on animal access frequency and environmental conditions, offering precise data support for analyzing the relationship between seed dispersal behavior and ecological environmental factors.

[0026] 3. The non-invasive sampling success rate of this device reaches 88.9%, which is a significant improvement over existing adhesive samplers; the incidence of animal stress response is <5%, which is 92% lower than that of manual restraint sampling; the built-in lithium battery has a battery life of ≥35 days, requiring no maintenance during continuous field work, and reducing the number of field interventions by 85% compared to existing technologies.

[0027] 4. This device achieves precise matching of rodent experimental individuals and hair samples in seed dispersal experiments from the sampling source. It samples only the target rodent individuals participating in seed dispersal, completely solving the problems of strong sampling randomness and sample-to-experimental mismatch in existing technologies. This enables hair samples to accurately support subsequent experimental research such as species identification and genetic diversity analysis, and greatly improves the relevance and scientific rigor of experimental data. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the device's mounting box excluding the top cover and front side panel, intended to show the installation positions of the bait trough, infrared counting module, temperature sensing module, and other internal structures; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling channel structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shelf section of the present invention.

[0029] Reference numerals: 11. Placement box; 12. Top cover; 13. Bottom plate; 14. Side plate; 15. Bait trough; 16. Sampling channel; 17. Shelf; 18. Hook; 19. Positioning screw hole; 20. Fixing bolt; 21. Raised ridge; 22. Slot; 23. Embedded groove; 24. Pull rod; 25. Ventilation hole; 26. Mosquito net; 27. Camouflage layer; 28. Support base; 29. ​​Height adjustment bolt; 30. Ground anchor; 32. Infrared counting module; 33. Temperature sensing module. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0031] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0032] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments, including a placement box 11. The placement box 11 includes a top cover 12, a bottom plate 13, and a side plate 14. The top cover 12 is made of ABS engineering plastic with a waterproof rating of IP65. The side plate 14 is made of transparent material. A bait trough 15 is provided on the bottom plate 13. The top of the bait trough 15 has an upward-protruding water-blocking edge with a height of 5-8mm, and the bottom of the bait trough 15 has a drainage hole with a diameter of 2-3mm. A stainless steel filter with a pore size of 0.5mm is provided in the drainage hole to prevent the bait particles from leaking out. The surface of the shelf 17 is coated with a PTFE hydrophobic coating to reduce hair adhesion and contamination; the inner wall of the sampling channel 16 is provided with an inclined guide groove to prevent rainwater or dew from accumulating on the surface of the shelf; the side plate 14 is provided with a sampling channel 16, which is detachably connected to the side plate; a one-way sampling component is provided inside the sampling channel 16, which includes a shelf 17 detachably connected to the sampling channel 16; hooks 18 are provided on the shelf 17 and are inclined toward the inside of the placement box 11; the hooks 18 are arrayed on the shelf 17; and a concealed unit is provided on the placement box 11.

[0033] The bait groove 15 on the base plate 13 attracts rodents. Once lured, the animals enter the enclosure through a detachable sampling channel 16 on the side plate 14. A key component installed within the channel is a unidirectional sampling assembly, primarily consisting of a detachable shelf 17 with an array of hooks 18 angled inwards towards the inside of the enclosure. Due to the unidirectional design of the hooks 18, animals enter the enclosure 11 relatively smoothly, and when exiting, their fur is scraped and retained by the hooks 18 as they pass through the channel, ensuring that each animal is sampled individually, thus achieving non-invasive sampling and reducing the risk of sample loss. The transparent side plate 14 facilitates observation, while the overall concealment unit helps reduce its conspicuousness in the wild environment and minimizes interference with the target animal's behavior, thereby ensuring sampling efficiency and the reliability of experimental data.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the back of the shelf 17 has positioning screw holes 19, and the corresponding sampling channel 16 has fixing bolts 20. The shelf 17 has outwardly extending protruding ridges 21 on both sides. The sampling channel 16 has corresponding slots 22 that slide and engage with the protruding ridges 21. The sampling channel 16 has a diameter of 5-8 cm, the shelf 17 has a thickness of 3-5 mm, the protruding ridges 21 have a width of 2-3 mm, and the depth of the slots 22 matches the protruding ridges 21. The slots 22 are set along the length of the sampling channel 16. The back of the shelf 17 has positioning screw holes 19 that can be locked in place with the fixing bolts 20 on the channel. Simultaneously, the protruding ridges 21 on both sides of the shelf 17 can accurately slide into the slots 22 opened along the length of the channel side plate. This design makes the installation and removal of the shelf 17 quick and accurate. During operation, the sliding engagement of the protrusion 21 and the slot 22 ensures that the shelf 17 will not shift when subjected to the scratching force of an animal, while the bolt fastening provides the final safety guarantee.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the concealment unit includes a camouflage layer 27 covering the outside of the top cover 12 and an adjustable support base 28. The camouflage layer 27 is made of a flexible material that mimics the texture of grass or bark. In this embodiment, the camouflage layer 27 is made of PVC flexible material with a thickness of 0.5-1mm and an RGB (100, 150, 80) color. The reflectance difference between the camouflage layer 27 and that of natural grass is ≤10%. The support base 28 is symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate 13. Height adjustment bolts 29 are provided on the support base 28. Ground anchors 30 are provided around the placement box 11. The ground anchors 30 are symmetrically arranged on the outside of the support base 28, and the horizontal distance between the anchors and the support base 28 is 5-10cm. The camouflage layer 27, made of a flexible material that mimics grass or bark, effectively breaks the regular shape of the device, making it visually blend into the surrounding environment. The support base 28 adapts to uneven ground by rotating the height adjustment bolts 29, ensuring that the entire placement box 11 is placed stably and that the entrance of the sampling channel 16 is naturally connected to the ground. On the one hand, the highly realistic camouflage reduces the frightening effect on wary rodents, increasing their willingness to enter. On the other hand, the adjustable support 28 ensures the stability and functionality of the device in various terrains, keeping the sampling entrance in optimal condition at all times, thus improving the device's field durability and the continuity of data acquisition. It ensures that the entrance position of the sampling channel 16 remains unchanged over a long period, avoiding changes in experimental conditions or data loss due to device displacement.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the hooks 18 on the shelf 17 are made of flexible, wear-resistant plastic. The hooks 18 have several different tilt angles, ranging from 30° to 60°. The ends of the hooks 18 have a smooth, rounded arc shape. The density is 20-30 hooks / cm², and the load-bearing capacity of a single hook 18 is ≥0.5N. The flexible, wear-resistant plastic and the rounded arc shape at the ends of the hooks 18 minimize irritation to the animal's skin when shaving hair. The availability of multiple tilt angles allows researchers to select appropriate hooks for rodent species with different body sizes and hair characteristics. These design features work together to significantly enhance the species adaptability of the device and the integrity of sample retrieval while ensuring efficient and harmless sample collection.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the placement box 11 is also equipped with an infrared counting module 32 and a temperature sensing module 33. The infrared counting module 32 is fixed at the opening adjacent to the sampling channel 16, and the temperature sensing module 33 is fixed to the inner wall of the placement box 11. The placement box 11 is equipped with a wireless module, which is integrated with the infrared counting module 32. The wireless module is electrically connected to both the infrared counting module 32 and the temperature sensing module 33 and is powered by a built-in lithium battery. The built-in lithium battery has a battery life of ≥35 days. The infrared counting module 32 is installed near the opening of the sampling channel 16 and automatically records the number of times the animal enters and exits. Specifically, the lithium battery compartment is equipped with a waterproof cover and has a built-in overcharge and over-discharge protection module, which is suitable for working temperatures of -10℃ to 45℃ in the wild. The infrared counting module 32 employs dual infrared sensors (located 5mm inside and 5mm outside the sampling channel opening, respectively). It records data only when an organism continuously triggers the inner → outer sensor (entry / exit direction) or outer → inner sensor (entry direction). The sensor trigger threshold is set to "body diameter > 30mm" to exclude interference from non-target organisms such as insects and small birds. The temperature sensing module 33 monitors the ambient temperature inside the chamber. The collected data is transmitted wirelessly to a remote terminal, and all devices are powered by built-in lithium batteries. This system enables 24 / 7 automated monitoring of the experimental site. It significantly reduces the workload and disruption caused by researchers frequently visiting field sites for manual inspections, and provides objective and continuous data on animal visit frequency and environmental conditions, offering precise data support for analyzing the relationship between seed dispersal behavior and ecological environmental factors.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, ventilation holes 25 are provided on the side panel 14, evenly distributed on the upper part of the side panel 14. Insect-proof netting 26 is installed inside the ventilation holes 25, and a heat-insulating layer made of polyurethane foam is installed inside the top cover 12. The evenly distributed ventilation holes 25 on the upper part of the side panel 14, together with the insect-proof netting 26, ensure air circulation inside the enclosure while preventing insects from entering. The polyurethane foam heat-insulating layer attached to the inside of the top cover 12 effectively buffers the impact of external day-night temperature differences or severe weather on the microclimate inside the enclosure. These measures work together to provide animals with a relatively comfortable and safe temporary living space.

[0039] Example 2 Example 2 has a structure that is basically the same as Example 1, except that, referring to Figures 1 to 4In Example 2, the inner wall of the sampling channel 16 is provided with a recessed groove 23, and the front end of the placement plate 17 is designed as a protrusion adapted to the groove 23. The placement plate 17 and the inner wall of the sampling channel 16 are magnetically attracted. The magnet has a waterproof coating, such as an epoxy resin coating, on its outer side. A pull rod 24 with a pull ring is provided on the side of the placement plate 17 away from the groove 23. The end of the pull rod 24 extends out of the sampling channel 16. After each sampling, the placement plate can be removed through the pull rod 24 and placed into a sterile sample bag, avoiding manual contact with the sample. At the same time, when the device is used in humid areas with an annual rainfall of >600mm, a rubber sealing gasket can be added between the magnet and the inner wall of the sampling channel to further improve waterproofness. At the same time, a rubber sealing gasket is also provided at the connection between the sampling channel 16 and the side plate 14 to prevent rainwater from seeping in. Through the built-in magnet, the placement plate 17 can be quickly and accurately aligned and attracted to the inner wall of the channel. This working process greatly simplifies the operation steps, and researchers can collect hair samples by hand without tools by installing or removing the placement plate 17. This significantly improves operational efficiency in the field, reducing potential sample contamination or device damage caused by complex loading and unloading processes. When retrieving a hair-covered sample tray 17, researchers can easily remove it from the outside by simply pulling the pull ring, overcoming magnetic forces, without needing to insert their hands or tools into the channel. Furthermore, the raised front edge of the sample tray 17 fits perfectly with the groove 23, preventing the tray from being pulled out of the sampling channel 16 by animals. This process is not only simple and labor-saving but also avoids potential sample contamination or interference with other components within the channel caused by direct contact. It achieves contactless and convenient sample retrieval, improves the hygiene standards of the device and the humanization of its operation, and makes maintenance after long-term field deployment much easier.

[0040] This device was used in a laboratory setting to conduct a simulation experiment with 10 mice, and combined with long-term observation using a camera, yielding the following data:

[0041] In summary, a laboratory simulation was conducted using 10 mice. Nine mice were lured into the device, consumed the bait, and eight were successfully sampled (one mouse was not sampled due to its small size). This patented non-invasive sampling success rate reached 88.9%. Furthermore, video observation showed that all mice entering the device completed the sampling process without human intervention. None of the 10 mice exhibited stress, and no significant behavioral impact was observed after entering or exiting the device. This device is highly adaptable and automated, requiring no maintenance during continuous field operation, and reduces field interventions by 90% compared to existing technologies.

[0042] Implementation Principle: This invention has a simple structure, utilizing the bait groove 15 on the base plate 13 to attract rodents. Once lured, the animal enters the enclosure through a detachable sampling channel 16 on the side plate 14. The key component installed within the channel is a unidirectional sampling assembly, primarily composed of a detachable placement plate 17 with an array of hooks 18 angled towards the inside of the enclosure. Due to the unidirectional design of the hooks 18, animals enter the enclosure 11 relatively smoothly, and when exiting, their fur is scraped and retained by the hooks 18 as they pass through the channel, thus achieving non-destructive sampling and reducing the risk of sample loss. The transparent side plate 14 facilitates observation, while the overall concealment unit helps reduce its conspicuousness in the wild environment, minimizing interference with the target animal's behavior, thereby ensuring sampling efficiency and the reliability of experimental data. This device uses a field bait design to attract experimental target individuals, achieving non-invasive sampling while ensuring precise matching of experimental individuals and hair samples from the source. It perfectly solves the core pain points of existing technologies, ensuring that the sampled samples can accurately support the research and analysis of seed dispersal experiments, and guaranteeing the objectivity and scientific nature of experimental conclusions.

[0043] It should be noted that the connection relationships of components not specifically mentioned in this application are all assumed to be based on existing technology. Since they do not involve the inventive point and are commonly used in existing technology, the structural connection relationships are not described in detail.

Claims

1. A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments, characterized in that, The device includes a placement box (11), which includes a top cover (12), a bottom plate (13), and a side plate (14). The side plate (14) is made of transparent material. The bottom plate (13) is provided with a bait groove (15). The side plate (14) is provided with a sampling channel (16). The sampling channel (16) is detachably connected to the side plate. The sampling channel (16) is provided with a one-way sampling component. The one-way sampling component includes a shelf (17) detachably connected to the sampling channel (16). The shelf (17) is provided with flexible hooks (18) that are inclined toward the inside of the placement box (11). The hooks (18) are arrayed on the shelf (17). The placement box (11) is provided with a concealment unit. The concealment unit includes a camouflage layer (27) with a natural texture covering the outside of the top cover (12) and a height-adjustable support base (28) set at the bottom of the bottom plate (13).

2. The rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back of the shelf (17) is provided with a positioning screw hole (19), and the sampling channel (16) is provided with a fixing bolt (20) at the corresponding position. The shelf (17) has outwardly extending protrusions (21) on both sides. The sampling channel (16) is provided with a slot (22) that slides and fits into the protrusions (21). The slot (22) is provided along the length of the sampling channel (16).

3. The rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sampling channel (16) is provided with a recessed groove (23), and the front end of the placement plate (17) is set as a protrusion adapted to the groove (23). The placement plate (17) and the inner wall of the sampling channel (16) are attracted by a magnet, and the magnet is provided with a waterproof coating on the outside.

4. The rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 3, characterized in that, The placement plate (17) is provided with a pull rod (24) with a pull ring on the side away from the groove (23), and the end of the pull rod (24) extends out of the sampling channel (16).

5. A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate (14) is provided with ventilation holes (25), which are evenly distributed on the upper part of the side plate (14). The ventilation holes (25) are provided with mosquito nets (26) inside the ventilation holes (25), and the top cover (12) is provided with a heat insulation layer inside. The heat insulation layer is made of polyurethane foam.

6. The rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camouflage layer (27) is made of a flexible material that imitates grass or bark texture. The support base (28) is symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate (13). The support base (28) is provided with height adjustment bolts (29).

7. A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 6, characterized in that, The placement box (11) is provided with ground fixed anchor rods (30) around its perimeter. The ground fixed anchor rods (30) are symmetrically arranged on the outside of the support base (28), and the horizontal distance between the anchor rod and the support base (28) is 5-10cm.

8. A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hooks (18) on the shelf (17) are made of flexible and wear-resistant plastic material. The hooks (18) have several different tilt angles. The angle range of the hooks (18) is 30°-60°, the density is 20-30 hooks / cm², the load-bearing strength of a single hook is ≥0.5N, and the end of the hook (18) has a smooth transition arc structure.

9. A rodent hair sampling device for seed dispersal experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement box (11) is also equipped with an infrared counting module (32) and a temperature sensing module (33). The infrared counting module (32) is fixed at the opening adjacent to the sampling channel (16), and the temperature sensing module (33) is fixed on the inner wall of the placement box (11). The placement box (11) is equipped with a wireless module. The wireless module and the infrared counting module (32) are integrated into one unit. The wireless module is electrically connected to the infrared counting module (32) and the temperature sensing module (33) respectively and is powered by a built-in lithium battery.

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