Dye Excretion as a Method for Determination of Small Mammal Home Ranges

摘要: One hundred and twenty dyes biological stains were tested in the laboratory for possible use determining home ranges by excreted dyes. Dyes mixed with beeswax, made into pellet form, placed subcutancously Mus musculus Microtus ochrogaster. Nine colored urine four or more days (using 60-95 mg pellet) did not depress activity as measured wheels. In field tests, dropping boards covered filter paper a grid recovery of from M. ochrogaster implanted pellets. Home calculated dye spots corre- sponded closely to live trapping data same animals minimum area method). color range found be usable on different if one changed when drops weak acid base solution spots. Most techniques designed determine small mammals utilize some type recapture procedure. Many criticisms have been leveled against this method (Davis, 1953) but no clearly superior technique has replaced it. The purpose study was first develop new which would eliminate objec- tionable features studies. procedure developed implant pellets movement recording (Emlen et al., 1957). Secondly individuals determined conventional methods then compare results obtained these methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS LABORATORY Initially 120 screened their usefulness. Each separately preparing composed 1: 1 ratio beeswax. Beeswax used form matrix prevented crumbling, also slowed prolonged absorption pellet. Homogeneous mixing beeswax accomplished placing weighed mixture granules paraffin oven at 560 C until melted. This semi-liquid removed stirred glass rod it hardened. quantity dye-beeswax prepa- ration desired milligrams Roller- Smith torsion balance glaze-finished crucible pulverization pestle.