The Relationship between Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus Abundance and Acorn Mast

Presenter

Isabella Rose Brothers

Campus

Holyoke Community College

Sponsor

Joseph A. Bruseo, Department of Biology, Holyoke Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A30, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

The relationship between acorn abundance and subsequent Peromyscus populations is well documented in the literature.   While increases in mouse populations typically follow a lag in acorn abundance, the location of mouse captures in relation to previous year’s acorn abundance have not been examined.  A  2021 acorn data set and 2022 Peromyscus trapping data set from a deciduous forest was used  to determine the relationship between acorn mast and habitat selection of white-footed mice (P. leucopus) and deer mice (P. maniculatus). Comparison of mouse captures across the trapping grid to previous year’s acorn abundance at trap stations revealed no significance between where acorns were found and mice were captured, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. Seasonal inconsistencies, lack of data, and ecological factors such as predation and competition may have influenced the capture locations of Peromyscus and make it unable to conclude whether mice prefer locations of high acorn abundance. Further study should be conducted using multiple grid locations over a longer period of time.

Keywords

Ecology, Animal behavior, Rodents, Environmental influence, Food availability

Research Area

Biological Organisms

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