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1/ Stayin’ alive is harder than you think for a deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). With so many predators, 
need anti-predator behavior to survive. I studied routes chosen by #DiscoMice at @NDFIeldEcology, & how these reflect escape strategies #AnimBehav2021
need anti-predator behavior to survive. I studied routes chosen by #DiscoMice at @NDFIeldEcology, & how these reflect escape strategies #AnimBehav2021
2/ Using 2 different time settings (
& 
), I looked at how a heightened threat of visual detection would affect the routes of . I had 2 hypotheses: 1. would prefer coverage, to decrease their risk of visual detection, and 2. would prefer softer path substrates…
& ), I looked at how a heightened threat of visual detection would affect the routes of . I had 2 hypotheses: 1. would prefer coverage, to decrease their risk of visual detection, and 2. would prefer softer path substrates…
3/ ...to decrease how much sound they make as they move. With less risk of visual detection, could focus on decreasing their audial detection risk. To track the paths, I covered them with fluorescent powder and turned the forest into a dancefloor, the mice into #DiscoMice
could focus on decreasing their audial detection risk. To track the paths, I covered them with fluorescent powder and turned the forest into a dancefloor, the mice into #DiscoMice
4/ Much to my surprise, neither nor preferred quiet substrate, or move under coverage. In fact, both and showed a preference FOR the louder substrate (fallen leaves on the forest floor). With seemingly no anti-predator behavior, how were the mice surviving?
nor preferred quiet substrate, or move under coverage. In fact, both and showed a preference FOR the louder substrate (fallen leaves on the forest floor). With seemingly no anti-predator behavior, how were the mice surviving?
5/ The clue laid in the numbers: paths were shorter, less tortuous than paths. So, anti-predator behavior is dependent on illumination, indicating #DiscoMice have a stronger concern for exposure than path selection. If the sun's out, they don't take the scenic route!
paths were shorter, less tortuous than paths. So, anti-predator behavior is dependent on illumination, indicating #DiscoMice have a stronger concern for exposure than path selection. If the sun's out, they don't take the scenic route!
6/ As always, more field research is necessary to fully understand animal behavior. Deer mice (and #DiscoMice) serve as model species for studying behavior in the field, and play a vital role in their environment - #MiceMatter 
Thank you, & remember #MiceAreFriendsNOTFood
Thank you, & remember #MiceAreFriendsNOTFood
