Influence of supplemental food on local populations of Peromyscus leucopus
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Published source details
Hansen L.P. & Batzli G.O. (1979) Influence of supplemental food on local populations of Peromyscus leucopus. Journal of Mammalogy, 60, 335-342.
Published source details Hansen L.P. & Batzli G.O. (1979) Influence of supplemental food on local populations of Peromyscus leucopus. Journal of Mammalogy, 60, 335-342.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival
A before-and-after study in 1975–1976 in a woodland in Illinois, USA (Hansen & Batzli 1979) found that supplementary feeding did not increase white-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus densities. Monthly densities varied seasonally but were not higher in supplementary feeding plots than in plots without supplementary food provision. After supplementary feeding commenced, the highest numbers were 5–9 months later, with 20–26 mice/ha in supplementary feeding plots and 22–29 mice/ha in plots without supplementary food. Four plots, 0.36 ha each, were established within a 9-ha live trap grid, with 20-m trap intervals. Traps were operated across the grid over three days/month, from January 1975 to July 1976. Additional trapping took place fortnightly on grid points within and immediately surrounding plots, from March–December 1976. Supplementary feeding, using mouse chow at 10-m intervals, commenced in two plots in January 1976. No food was provided in the other two plots.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
