AGE STRUCTURE OF YELLOW-NECKED MOUSE (APODEMUS FLAVICOLLIS MELCHIOR, 1834) IN TWO SAMPLES OBTAINED FROM LIVE TRAPS AND OWL PELLETS

Abstract

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