The influence of corridors on the movement behavior of individual Peromyscus polionotus in experimental landscapes.
To assess corridor effects on movement in Peromyscus polionotus (old-field mice), we used a set of three experimental landscapes that contained multiple patches (1.64 ha) of usable, open habitat embedded in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forest matrix. Some patches were connected by corridors and others were isolated (unconnected). We introduced mice to nest boxes in experimental patches and followed them through the landscapes via trapping. We found weak evidence that the presence of corridors decreased the probability that P. polionotus (particularly females) would disperse or disappear from a patch. In the process of live trapping the patches, we also encountered ‘feral’ P. polionotus, Sigmodon hispidus (cotton rats), and Peromyscus gossypinus (cotton mice). The average number of feral animals did not differ between isolated and connected patches. This suggests that corridors do not act as drift fences that ‘sieve’ individuals out of the matrix and into the patches. However, more male than female P. polionotus and S. hispidus were trapped in isolated patches. This intersexual difference did not exist in connected patches.
- Research Organization:
- USDA Forest Service, Savannah River, New Ellenton, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE - Office of Environmental Management (EM)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI09-00SR22188
- OSTI ID:
- 891758
- Report Number(s):
- na; 00-47-P
- Journal Information:
- Landscape Ecology, Vol. 15, Issue 1; Conference: na
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Behavioral responses of cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus) to large amounts of coarse woody debris.
Phenologic influences on cohort-specific reproductive strategies in mice (Peromyscus polionotus)