Landscape ecology of the golden mouse

Abstract

Landscape ecology focuses on the development and dynamics of spatial heterogeneity, the influence of spatial heterogeneity on biotic and abiotic processes among ecosystems, and the management of spatial heterogeneity at the landscape scale. Landscapes are composed of three major elements: patches, corridors, and the landscape matrix. The role of habitat (patch) structure and composition on the dynamics of golden mice, Ochrotomys nuttalli, is relatively well known (Goodpaster and Hoffmeister 1954, Linzey 1968, McCarley 1958). Little is known, however, regarding metapopulation or source-sink dynamics, the role of corridors between and among landscape patches, or how the landscape mosaic influences dispersal, abundance, and reproductive success of this small mammal species. Our objective is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the landscape ecology of golden mice. We will first discuss golden mice regarding their response to landscape elements. Next, we postulate how landscape fragmentation impacts the social organization, dispersal, and colonization of golden mice. This chapter also illustrates the numerous unanswered questions and the research opportunities that exist at the landscape level. © 2008 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC.