Age structure of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis Melchior, 1834) in two samples obtained from live traps and owl pellets

Abstract

The age structure of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis Melchior 1834) has been analyzed in individuals obtained by two methods: Trapping with Sherman live traps and obtainment of skulls from long-eared owl (Asio otus Linnaeus, 1758) pellets (predator diet analysis). One hundred and forty-four mice were analyzed for the degree of wear of the surface of molar crowns, and an additional 74 measurements were performed on captive-born Apodemus flavicollis individuals. We used a refined model of comparison that included seven classes of mouse age, rather than four classes, as suggested by other authors.

Keywords

• Apodemus flavicollis
• Asio otus
• age structure
• molar
• diet
• prey
• Serbia