Primary and secondary resource pulses in an alpine ecosystem: snow tussock grass (Chionochloa spp.) flowering and house mouse (Mus musculus) populations in New Zealand

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah J. Wilson ◽  
William G. Lee
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
House Mouse ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Mouse Population ◽  
Cascading Effects ◽  
Resource Pulses

Context. Rodent populations in many parts of the world fluctuate in response to resource pulses generated by periodic high seed production (masting) by forest trees, with cascading effects on predation risk to other forest species. In New Zealand forests, populations of exotic house mice (Mus musculus) irrupt after periodic heavy beech (Nothofagus spp.) seedfall. However, in alpine grasslands, where snow tussock grasses (Chionochloa spp.) also flower and set seeds periodically, little is known about house mouse population dynamics. Aims. Our primary objective was to test for an increase in alpine mouse density following a summer when snow tussocks flowered profusely. We also estimated mouse density in adjacent montane forest over 2 years, and assessed mouse diet, to predict their potential impacts on native species. Methods. Flowering intensity of Chionochloa was assessed by counting flowering tillers on permanent transects (2003–06). Mouse density was estimated with capture–mark–recapture trapping in alpine (2003–07) and forest (2003–04) habitats. Mice were also collected and their stomach contents analysed. Flowering or fruiting of alpine shrubs and herbs, and beech seedfall at forest sites, were also measured. Key results. Chionochloa flowered profusely in austral summer 2005/06. Between autumn (May) and spring (November) 2006, mean alpine mouse density increased from 4 ha–1 to 39 ha–1, then declined to 8 ha–1 by autumn (May 2007). No mice were captured in 768 trap-nights during the following spring (November 2007). Prior to the mouse irruption, mouse density was consistently higher at alpine (0.4–4.0 mice ha–1) than at montane forest (0.02–1.8 mice ha–1) sites (in 2003–04). Alpine mouse diet was dominated by arthropods before mast flowering, and by seeds during it. Conclusions. The density and dynamics of alpine mice in relation to intensive snow-tussock flowering were similar to those in New Zealand beech forest in relation to beech masts. Implications. We predict the timing and duration of periods of heightened predation risk to native alpine fauna, as the result of pulses in mouse density and likely associated pulses in the density of stoats (Mustela erminea), a key exotic predator.

scholarly journals Whole-genome sequencing analysis reveals the population history of Mus musculus in Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazumichi Fujiwara ◽  
Marie C Ranorosoa ◽  
Satoshi D Ohdachi ◽  
Satoru Arai ◽  
Yuki Sakuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Population History ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Mouse Population ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ancient Hybridization

AbstractIn Madagascar, the house mouse (Mus musculus) is thought to have colonized along with humans and is now one of the most successfully colonized rodents on the island. In this study, we determined the whole-genome sequences of the Madagascar house mouse captured from the wild. We examined the evolutionary history of its population regarding the mitochondrial and autosomal genomes. We confirmed that in the mitochondrial genomes of Madagascar house mice, a monophyletic clade forms a basal origin within the species. An analysis of autosomal genomic sequences indicates that the Madagascar house mouse population is genetically a member of M. m. castaneus (CAS). It also contains genetic elements of M. m. domesticus (DOM) resulting from ancient hybridization. The signature of a strong population bottleneck 1000–3000 years ago was observed in the mitochondrial and autosomal genomic data. We also show that the divergence of the Madagascar population from the CAS population occurred approximately 50,000–99,000 years ago. Madagascar house mice show strong genetic affinity to many CAS samples across a wide range of Indian Ocean coastal regions. However, our results suggest that they would not have originated directly from the Indonesian islands, where Austronesian-speaking people in Madagascar originated. Because the ancient hybridization signature with DOM did not appear in the Indonesian and other CAS samples, we propose that Madagascar house mice were not directly brought by Austronesian-speaking people but came from somewhere around the Middle East or South Asia soon after the colonization of initial farmers.

Secondary poisoning of stoats (Mustela erminea) in a South Island podocarp forest, New Zealand: implications for conservation

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 501 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Alterio ◽  
H. Moller
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Secondary Poisoning ◽  
Mustela Erminea ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Bait Stations

This study tested the efficacy of secondary poisoning using Talon 20 P™ (20 ppm brodifacoum) in bait stations for killing predators in a New Zealand podocarp forest. Nine of 10 resident radio-tagged stoats (Mustela erminea) were killed after poisoning operations that killed mice (Mus musculus), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Possums were an important source of the poison, with six stoats dying 1–2 weeks after scavenging on poisoned carcasses. New male stoats rapidly invaded the poisoned areas, but few were killed because poisoned carcasses were scarce. Most resident stoats died before possums were poisoned in other New Zealand trials when Talon 20 P was hand-broadcast. Prey abundance is potentially an important determinant of efficacy of the method, so pulse baiting is likely to be more successful than press (sustained) baiting operations for controlling stoats. Use of bait stations delayed indirect poisoning of stoats, but reduced risks to non-target native species compared with hand-broadcast operations. Talon 20 P poisoning operations using bait stations could be an especially useful way of restoring New Zealand’s mainland communities of native biota because several species of predators are killed in the same operation, but potential risks to non-target native wildlife and humans should be intensively researched before the method is routinely used. This research also demonstrates the potential hazards of the new anticoagulant poisons like brodifacoum to conservation of small native predators elsewhere.

scholarly journals Drivers of predatory behavior and extreme size in house mice Mus musculus on Gough Island

2016 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 533-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Cuthbert ◽  
Ross M. Wanless ◽  
Andrea Angel ◽  
Marie-Helene Burle ◽  
Geoff M. Hilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Predatory Behavior ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Mouse Population ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Gough Island ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Island Syndrome

Abstract In comparison to the mainland, populations of rodents on islands are often characterized by a suite of life history characteristics termed the “island syndrome.” Populations of rodents introduced to islands are also well known for their impacts on native species that have evolved in the absence of mammalian predators. We studied the ecology and behavior of introduced house mice Mus musculus on Gough Island where they are the only terrestrial mammal and where their predatory behavior is having a devastating impact on the island’s burrowing petrel (order Procellariiformes ) population and the Critically Endangered Tristan albatross Diomedea dabbenena . Mice on Gough exhibit extreme features of the island syndrome, including: a body mass 50–60% greater than any other island mouse population, peak densities among the highest recorded for island populations, and low seasonal variation in numbers compared to other studied islands. Seasonal patterns of breeding and survival were linked to body condition and mass, and mice in areas with high chick predation rates were able to maintain higher mass and condition during the winter when mouse mortality rates peak. Within-site patterns of chick predation indicate that proximity to neighboring predated nests and nesting densities are important factors in determining the likelihood of predation. We conclude that selection for extreme body mass and predatory behavior of mice result from enhanced overwinter survival. Small mammal populations at temperate and high latitudes are normally limited by high mortality during the winter, but on Gough Island mice avoid that by exploiting the island’s abundant seabird chicks.

scholarly journals The Influence of Ship Rats (Rattus Rattus) on the Habitat Preferences of the House Mouse (Mus Musculus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Benjamin Hancock
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Cascading Effects ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Indirect Cues

<p>As methods and successes of Rattus rattus (ship rat) control progress, particularly in island environments, the importance of managing Mus musculus (house mouse) increases. M. musculus can negatively impact on a variety of native fauna and flora, potentially creating long term cascading effects. M. musculus populations benefit with the reduction in R. rattus abundance and recover sooner from pest control programs. This three-part study investigated the habitat utilisation of M. musculus and how their relationship with R. rattus influences their habitat preferences. Firstly, hypotheses about the habitat preferences of M. musculus were tested over a landscape scale to determine the features of the environment most important to their distribution. Then the direct effect of R. rattus presence on M. musculus habitat-use was investigated in arena trials. Lastly, in the same arenas, canopy cover was tested as an indirect cue for M. musculus to evaluate the presence of R. rattus. Across 32 sites, M. musculus were the most abundant in warm dry habitats. North facing slopes and rank grass cover were the features of the environment that had the strongest relationship with abundance. In arenas M. musculus foraging activity was 52% lower in patches of short grass when R. rattus scent was present but foraging in rank grass and bare ground was not altered, suggesting activity was suppressed not competitive displacement. There were no significant changes in M. musculus foraging behaviour between different canopy treatments. Although a trend of nocturnal foraging activity dropping 26% when high canopy cover was over short grass compared to short grass patches with lower or no canopy treatments may indicate a risky habitat. M. musculus use of dense ground cover was common theme in this study and in the literature. R. rattus do influence the habitat selection of M. musculus though this was with direct presence more than indirect cues.</p>

scholarly journals The Influence of Ship Rats (Rattus Rattus) on the Habitat Preferences of the House Mouse (Mus Musculus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Benjamin Hancock
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Cascading Effects ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Indirect Cues

<p>As methods and successes of Rattus rattus (ship rat) control progress, particularly in island environments, the importance of managing Mus musculus (house mouse) increases. M. musculus can negatively impact on a variety of native fauna and flora, potentially creating long term cascading effects. M. musculus populations benefit with the reduction in R. rattus abundance and recover sooner from pest control programs. This three-part study investigated the habitat utilisation of M. musculus and how their relationship with R. rattus influences their habitat preferences. Firstly, hypotheses about the habitat preferences of M. musculus were tested over a landscape scale to determine the features of the environment most important to their distribution. Then the direct effect of R. rattus presence on M. musculus habitat-use was investigated in arena trials. Lastly, in the same arenas, canopy cover was tested as an indirect cue for M. musculus to evaluate the presence of R. rattus. Across 32 sites, M. musculus were the most abundant in warm dry habitats. North facing slopes and rank grass cover were the features of the environment that had the strongest relationship with abundance. In arenas M. musculus foraging activity was 52% lower in patches of short grass when R. rattus scent was present but foraging in rank grass and bare ground was not altered, suggesting activity was suppressed not competitive displacement. There were no significant changes in M. musculus foraging behaviour between different canopy treatments. Although a trend of nocturnal foraging activity dropping 26% when high canopy cover was over short grass compared to short grass patches with lower or no canopy treatments may indicate a risky habitat. M. musculus use of dense ground cover was common theme in this study and in the literature. R. rattus do influence the habitat selection of M. musculus though this was with direct presence more than indirect cues.</p>

scholarly journals Mus musculus populations in Western Australia lack VKORC1 mutations conferring resistance to first generation anticoagulant rodenticides: Implications for conservation and biosecurity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget J.M.L. Duncan ◽  
Annette Koenders ◽  
Quinton Burnham ◽  
Michael T. Lohr
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Mouse Population ◽  
Anticoagulant Rodenticides ◽  
D Loop ◽  
Rodent Populations ◽  
Vkorc1 Gene

AbstractBackgroundHumans routinely attempt to manage pest rodent populations with anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). We require information on resistance to ARs within rodent populations to have effective eradication programs that minimise exposure in non-target species. Mutations to the VKORC1 gene have been shown to confer resistance in rodents with high proportions of resistance in mice found in all European populations tested. We screened mutations in Mus musculus within Western Australia, by sampling populations from the capital city (Perth) and a remote island (Browse Island). These are the first Australian mouse populations screened for resistance using this method. Additionally, the mitochondrial D-loop of house mice was sequenced to explore population genetic structure, identify the origin of Western Australian mice, and to elucidate whether resistance was linked to certain haplotypes.ResultsNo resistance-related VKORC1 mutations were detected in either house mouse population. A genetic introgression in the intronic sequence of the VKORC1 gene of Browse Island house mouse was detected which is thought to have originated through hybridisation with the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus). Analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop reported two haplotypes in the house mouse population of Perth, and two haplotypes in the population of Browse Island.ConclusionsBoth house mouse populations exhibited no genetic resistance to ARs, in spite of free use of ARs in Western Australia. Therefore weaker anticoagulant rodenticides can be employed in pest control and eradication attempts, which will result in reduced negative impacts on non-target species. Biosecurity measures must be in place to avoid introduction of resistant house mice, and new house mouse subspecies to Western Australia.

Mouse population eruptions in New Zealand forests: the role of population density and seedfall

2000 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1058-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Choquenot ◽  
Wendy A. Ruscoe
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Mouse Population

Early Cold Exposure: Effects on Behavioral and Physiological Thermoregulation in the House Mouse, Mus musculus

1976 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Robert Lynch ◽  
Carol Becker Lynch ◽  
Marjory Dube ◽  
Cynthia Allen
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Cold Exposure ◽  
Mus Musculus
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document