Field and Laboratory Experiments on the Social Behaviour and Population Dynamics of the Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)

• Published in: The Journal of animal ecology Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 499 - 511
• Main Author: Flowerdew, J. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Scientific Publications 01-06-1974
• Subjects: Breeding; Human aggression; Male animals; Mice; Population dynamics; Population ecology; Population growth; Social behavior; Voles; Young animals
• ISSN: 0021-8790; 1365-2656
• DOI: 10.2307/3379

(1) The removal of adult male wood mice from a semi-isolated 1.2-ha area between late May and July in 1968 and until August in 1969 increased immigration/recruitment, improved juvenile and subadult survival and advanced the time of the expected autumn increase in numbers compared with a nearby 1.5-ha control area in continuous woodland. (2) Replicated field experiments showed that established residents hinder the settlement of immigrating adults. (3) Laboratory experiments showed that established adults may reduce the growth and survival of juveniles. (4) It is concluded that adult males hinder the recruitment of juveniles as well as immigration and so prevent numbers from increasing during most of the summer. (5) The role of females and the significance of variations in aggressive behaviour in population regulation have still to be elucidated.