Population ecology of Mus musculus on Mana Island, New Zealand

摘要: Feral house mice (Mus musculus) living on 217 ha Mana Island, New Zealand, with no mammalian predators, were snap-trapped and autopsied. A 7-month breeding season took the population from a spring low to extremely high density in autumn. Litters largest middle of season, significantly larger than Zealand mainland. Litter size early pregnancy was similar for young old but more embryos resorbed by females. The ended April when adult females stopped ovulating failed mature. When declined over winter animals bred, they all lost weight, even previously mature males their reproductive ability. Mice continue grow throughout life become most populations regular pronounced seasonal pulse Mana's mouse contrasts longer-term fluctuations generally seen mainland at lower indigenous forest. These differences may be explained absence habitat features or lack any chance disperse island.