Kalotermes banksiae, Glyptotermes brevicornis, and other termites (Isoptera) in New Zealand Journal Paper
- Author
- Bain, J.; Jenkin, M.J.
- Year
- 1983
- Journal / Source
- New Zealand Entomologist
- Volume
- 7
- Number
- 4
- Pages
- 365-371
- Summary
- This study on the ecology of mice (Mas musoulue L.) in two forests near Auckland was carried out by snap-trapping each month between May 1976 and November 1977 within the Woodhill State Forest, an exotic forest planted mainly in Pinus vadiata. In addition, snap-trapping was also conducted every one or two months between February 1977 and December 1977 in an indigenous forest, predominated by kauri (Agathis australis), located within the Hunua Ranges. Data obtained from the animals trapped in these two forests provided quantitative data on their reproduction, relative abundance, population structure and their diet. Male mice in breeding condition were found throughout the year in both forests. Within the Woodhill Forest females had a breeding season lasting from August to April, with a peak in pregnancy rate during February and March. For female mice within the Hunua Forest, breeding occurred between October and April with a high pregnancy rate being recorded in April. Within the two forests, mice of both sexes attained breeding condition within 1 to 2 months of age, but those from litters born during February onwards in the Woodhill Forest and March onwards in the Hunua Forest showed delays in their reproductive development until the following breeding season. Population levels were estimated by snap-trap success indices. These showed fluctuating populations within the Woodhill Forest, which reached a peak in about April and May. Higher levels were reached on a three-year old pine plantation than on a mature-pine plantation. Fluctuating populations also occurred within the Hunua Forest, reaching a peak there during April. Mice were aged based on molar tooth wear. Young age class mice predominated in both forest populations during the breeding season and as the populations built up. Once breeding ceased and mouse numbers declined, the populations shifted towards an older age class structure. With respect to body size, mean body weights per age class were heaviest during February/March in the Woodhill Forest and during April in the Hunua Forest. Rapid declines occurred thereafter reaching their lowest in body weight throughout winter. Males predominated in the trap samples from both habitats, but no seasonal variations in the sex ratio were evident. Stomach analysis of mice revealed that in the Woodhill Forest, the overall diet consisted mainly of adult arthropods, lepidopterous larvae and seed. The same was true for mice in the Hunua Forest with the exception of lepidopterous larvae. Seasonal changes in their contribution to the diet occurred in both forests and are described. Kauri seed was found to be an important dietary constituent for Hunua Forest mice by the beginning of April and May when kauri was seeding. f It was concluded that a variety of factor's may have contributed to the seasonal pattern of breeding of Mue in both forests and the subsequent changes in their relative abundance, and population structures. Likewise, it was concluded that several factors may also have accounted for the type of diet chosen by the mice during the various times of the year.