Drivers of small mammal population dynamics in hardwood forests of northeastern USA

Journal of Mammalogy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 7, 2025

Abstract Many small mammal populations exhibit dramatic annual fluctuations, with abundance sometimes varying by orders of magnitude across years. However, there remains much debate about the factors that drive changes in abundance. Long-term datasets provide important opportunities to further investigate these phenomena. Using 30 yr data from a study at Bartlett Experimental Forest north-central New Hampshire, USA, we compare relative effects pulsed food resources (beech mast), forest structure, and weather on population dynamics 5 rodents 4 shrew species. We estimated detection-corrected abundances using Bayesian N-mixture models. Mast, all influenced abundance; however, responses varied among species, no single variable proved be broadly influential More generally, our results suggest for most species analyzed, mast availability patterns have greater influence fluctuations than structure. are not responding environment same way. Given mammals ubiquitous serve key ecological roles, better understanding drivers could broad-reaching implications ecology management.

Language: Английский

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Small mammal personalities generate context dependence in the seed dispersal mutualism

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 119(15)

Published: April 4, 2022

Mutualisms are foundational components of ecosystems with the capacity to generate biodiversity through adaptation and coevolution give rise essential services such as pollination seed dispersal. To understand how mutualistic interactions shape communities ecosystems, we must identify mechanisms that underlie their functioning. One mechanism may drive mutualisms vary in space time is unique behavioral types, or personalities, individuals involved. Here, our goal was examine interindividual variation dispersal mutualism role different personalities play. In a field experiment, observed individual deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) known personality traits predating dispersing seeds natural environment classified all made by either positive negative. We then scored on continuum from antagonistic found within population scatter hoarders, some more than others one factor driving this distinction animal personality. Through empirical work, provide conceptual advancement study integrating it intraspecific variation. These findings indicate previously overlooked generating context dependence plant–animal suggest diversity have important consequences for functioning mutualisms.

Language: Английский

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Living on the edge: morphological and behavioral adaptations to a marginal high‐elevation habitat in an arboreal mammal

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 18(4), P. 746 - 761

Published: Sept. 2, 2022

Habitats are characterized by different local environmental conditions that influence both behavior and morphology of species, which can result in habitat-dependent phenotypic differences among animals living heterogeneous environments. We studied 3 alpine populations Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), 1 a marginal high-elevation habitat at the edge species' altitudinal distribution, 2 occurring higher-quality habitats. Here, we investigated whether area differed morphological parameters (body size body mass) and/or expression 4 personality traits estimated with an open field test mirror image stimulation (activity, exploration, activity-exploration, social tendency). Furthermore, tested within-individual variance (behavioral plasticity) was higher habitat. Male were smaller weighed less than other study areas, while females, size-habitat relationships marked. These sex-specific patterns explained strong association between mass reproductive success female squirrels. Squirrels more active, explorative, had However, contrast to our predictions, behavioral plasticity habitat, but only for trait exploration. Our results suggest choose best fits their personality, habitat-related selective pressures may shape animals' morphology.

Language: Английский

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Predation risk and personality influence seed predation and dispersal by a scatter‐hoarding small mammal

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Abstract Small mammals are key scatter hoarders in forest ecosystems, acting as both seed predators and dispersers. The outcome of their interactions (i.e., predation vs. dispersal) is determined by a series decisions made small mammals, such the choice seed, whether immediately consumed or cached, where it cached. These influenced variety factors, including intrinsic traits individual personality hoarder, perceived risk while foraging. Furthermore, these factors may all interact to dictate fate with consequences for regeneration. Nevertheless, ways which affect dispersal still poorly understood. To contribute filling this knowledge gap, we tested hypotheses that southern red‐backed voles ( Myodes gapperi ), an important hoarder would exhibit personality‐mediated foraging alter associations between dispersal. We conducted large‐scale field experiment, offering trays at stations altered levels recorded free‐ranging known personalities. found voles. Specifically, docility, boldness predicted site selection, species selection number seeds individuals selected, tendency explore remove consume seeds. Predation risk, mediated amount cover moon illumination, affected chose, probability removal versus consumption. did not find support interaction predicting decisions. findings highlight importance affecting decisions, implications patterns regeneration areas different mammal distributions landscapes fear.

Language: Английский

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Pilfering personalities: Effects of small mammal personality on cache pilferage

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 18, 2024

Abstract Small mammals such as mice and voles play a fundamental role in the ecosystem service of seed dispersal by caching seeds small hoards that germinate under beneficial conditions. Pilferage is critical step this process which animals steal from other individuals' caches. Pilferers often recache stolen seeds, are pilfered new individuals, who may again, so on, potentially leading to compounded increased distance. However, little research has investigated intraspecific differences pilfering frequency, despite its importance better understanding behavioural diversity valuable dispersal. We conducted field experiment Maine (USA) investigating how variation, including personality, influences pilferage effectiveness. Within context long‐term capture‐mark‐recapture study, we measured unique personality 3311 individual 10 species over 7‐year period. For experiment, created artificial caches using eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ) monitored with trail cameras buried antennas for identification. Of 436 created, 83.5% were species, deer (( Peromyscus maniculatus southern red‐backed Myodes gapperi ). show individuals differ their ability pilfer these driven body condition sex. More exploratory those lower more likely locate cache, female than males Also, be areas higher mammal abundance. Because risk drives decisions concerning where an animal chooses store pressure thought drive evolution food‐hoarding behaviour. Our study shows varies between meaning some have disproportionately strong influence on others' contribute longer‐distance facilitated pilferage. results add growing knowledge showing personalities forest regeneration impacting

Language: Английский

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Forest composition shapes seed‐rodent interactions in a gradient of broadleaves and conifers

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 61(8), P. 1944 - 1954

Published: June 24, 2024

Abstract Non‐native tree species and mixed forests have been increasingly employed in forestry practice as a safeguard against climate change tool to foster biodiversity while providing economic benefits. Though these changes forest composition may affect animal communities ecosystem processes, they are seldom studied through plant–animal interaction perspective. Here we investigated how with varying proportions of native broadleaf ( Fagus sylvatica ) two conifers (introduced Pseudotsuga menziesii Picea abies rodents their interactions seeds. We surveyed terrestrial small mammal communities, estimated species' densities, assessed seed preference by rodents, collected data on environmental variables (understory density basal area), measured production tracked 1200 seeds 20 different plots northern Germany mast non‐mast year for . Forest influenced the between In lower proportion broadleaves, beech were harvested faster greater quantities, had diminished survival less often cached. These results agreement three other findings: (a) fate responded broadleaves irrespective conifer identity, (b) preferred nutritious over seeds, (c) higher during period when scarce (non‐mast year). Synthesis applications : This work provides evidence can without necessarily altering or population densities. Specifically, found no differences non‐native trees regarding community, seed‐rodent fate. Furthermore, provide service primarily preying upon , superior‐competitive species, thus mitigate dominance species.

Language: Английский

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Over the limit: Consequences of gray squirrel personality on the shifting range limits of oak and hickory species

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e03539 - e03539

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Dissecting the roles of seed nutrient content and coat thickness in seed dispersal and fate mediated by rodents: A field experiment using artificial seeds

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 585, P. 122650 - 122650

Published: March 11, 2025

Language: Английский

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Pilferers shape hoarding behavior of red squirrels in an urban park

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 79(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Effects of mixed forests and introduced Douglas-fir on the dynamics of European beech seeds and seedlings

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 588, P. 122766 - 122766

Published: May 5, 2025

Language: Английский

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