SREL Reprint #0107
Invasion
of a One-Year Abandoned Field by Peromyscus polionotus and Mus
musculus
Abstract
Populations of Peromyscus polionotus
and Mus musculus following invasion of a 9-acre cornfield
abandoned for one year were inversely related.
This inverse relationship, plus differences in habitat utilization,
suggested interaction between the two species of rodents.
Results showed that the interaction between populations of P. polionotus
and M. musculus, observed by Caldwell (1964) and Caldwell and
Gentry (1965) in fenced enclosures, may also occur in a natural situation where
emigration and immigration are present. The
P. polionotus population reached a peak in September 1963 and
gradually declined to an unusually low level by February 1964.
It is speculated that the quantity and quality of available food may have
been a significant influence on the old-field mouse population and that M.
musculus reacted opportunistically when the P. polionotus
population declined. Whether this
interaction was competition for food or space, aggressive competition between
individuals or a more subtle relationship could not be determined.
SREL Reprint #0107
Gentry, J.B. 1966. Invasion of a one year abandoned
field by Peromyscus polionotus and Mus musculus. Journal of
Mammalogy 47:431 439.
