Recruitment in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) as a function of litter size, parity, and season

Abstract

We explored the relationship between reproductive success and parity in white-footed mice. Because these small mammals are short-lived and have low residual reproductive value in the field, we predicted, contrary to laboratory results, that litter size, weaning rates, and recruitment would not increase as a function of female age or parity. We used data from 3 years of mark-and-recapture trapping data and from nest boxes to estimate weaning and recruitment rates in a 2-ha woodlot in northwest Ohio. Of 401 mice from 82 litters born in nest boxes, 87 were recruited into the population as adults. We observed no increase in litter size, weaning rates, or recruitment with maternal age or parity. Season interacted with parity such that recruitment from spring-born litters produced by females having their first or second litters was four times higher than from all other litters. Litter size did not influence weaning rates and only affected recruitment when season and parity also were considered.