Niches of Adult and Juvenile Deer Mice (Peromyscus Maniculatus) In Seral Stages of Coniferous Forest

Abstract

I analyzed food habits and habitat utilization patterns of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in seral stages of coastal coniferous forest in southeast Alaska. Adult deer mice consumed a higher proportion of hard—bodied arthropods than did juveniles. Juveniles consumed a lower proportion of soft—bodied arthropods in high—density populations than in low—density populations. High—and low—density habitats were described for adults and juveniles using discriminant function analysis. Adult high—density habitat had more cover than juvenile high—density habitat and was more favorable, as evidenced by a greater overwinter survival of both juveniles and adults. Intraspecific competition appeared to responsible for niche displacement of juvenile deer mice along food and habitat dimensions.