Social organization and nest co-occupancy in Peromyscus californicus, a monogamous rodent

摘要: Home ranges, social organization, and nest co-occupancy of Peromyscus californicus were studied using radiotelemetry at the Hastings Natural History Reservation, California. Mated pairs ascertained by transfer fluorescent pigments from lactating females to putative fathers. had largely overlapping home ranges that not statistically distinguishable, whereas adjacent adults mostly exclusive, distinguishable ranges. There was no difference in mean range males females, but mated tended have smaller than their mate. size extremely variable (range: 150–3788 m2) averaged 1161 m2 across all individuals. Male inversely correlated with population density, suggestive a influence on range. Putative fathers spent comparable amounts time — presumably caring for young which supports previous laboratory reports paternal care this species. All data collected study are consistent suggestions P. live semi-permanent family groups monogamous.