Vegetation of the raised beaches at Cape Turakirae, Wellington, New Zealand Journal Paper
- Author
- Bagnall, R.G.
- Year
- 1975
- Journal / Source
- New Zealand Journal of Botany
- Volume
- 13
- Pages
- 367-424
- 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.