Differential Habitat Utilization by Sexes of the Deermouse, Permomyscus Maniculatus

Abstract

Demography, home range size, and sexual dimorphism of the common deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) were examined in three xeric communities of the West and Pacific Northwest. In heterogeneous communities, female mice inhabited the more favorable, moist microhabitats. Males were found in the less favorable, more exeric areas. The intersexual difference in home range size and body weight is positively correlated with habitat heterogeneity. Differential sex distribution with female dominance is a strategy that maximizes reproductive effort and survival of the young.