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Nest-site selection by the harvest mouse Micromys minutus in seasonally changing environments

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Kuroe M., Ohori S., Takatsuki S., Miyashita T.

Acta Theriologica

2007

tom 52

nr 4

355-360

We studied nest-site selection of harvest miceMicromys minutus (Pallas, 1771) for clarifying plant community characters suitable for nesting. We surveyed newly constructed nests in a marsh population and various plant characters likely to affect nest-site selection throughout the breeding season. The harvest mouce used common reedMiscanthus sacchariflorus and Japanese pampas grassMiscanthus sinensis more frequently than expected by the propotions of their areas occupied in summer, but shifted toCarex confertiflora after October. Although reed grassPhragmites communis was dominant in the marsh, mice did not choose this species. The 2 grass species selected in summer had a larger number of leaves per unit area, and the most selected species had a higher stem density. Both of these plant traits indicate a richness of nesting materials. The rapid increase in selection forCarex from autumn to winter was likely due to its leaf freshness and/or flexibility, as leaves ofCarex maintained a high level of chlorophyll content until winter. The harvest mouse appeared to flexibly change its selection for nesting plants in response to seasonal environmental changes. We also discuss the implications of our findings in terms of harvest mouse habitat conservation.

Ograniczanie wyników

1 Acta Theriologica

1 Kuroe M.

1 Miyashita T.

1 Ohori S.

1 Takatsuki S.

1 2007

Wyniki wyszukiwania

Nest-site selection by the harvest mouse Micromys minutus in seasonally changing environments