Repeated capture of beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus phasma and P. P. niveiventris) reduces body mass

Abstract

Body mass is commonly used as an indicator of habitat quality and body condition in small-mammal populations. We examined the effects of consecutive days of livetrapping on body mass of 2 federally listed subspecies of beach mice on the eastern coast of Florida: the Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus phasma) and the southeastern beach mouse (P. p. niveiventris). Mean mass loss (approximately 0.5 g/recaptured day) was additive and occurred for Anastasia Island beach mice over 2 consecutive days and for southeastern beach mice over 3 consecutive days. Researchers should exercise caution when their trapping protocols call for consecutive nights of trapping. © 2005 American Society of Mammalogists.