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A Population Study of the House Mouse, Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae), in a Rural Community of Mérida, México
Jesús Alonso Panti-May1,*, Silvia F. Hernández-Betancourt2, Marco A. Torres-Castro3, Julián Parada-López2, Sandra G. López-Manzanero2, and Maribel C. Herrera-Meza2
1Doctorado en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97135, Mérida, Yucatán, México. 2Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97135, Mérida, Yucatán, México. 3Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Av Itzáes #490 x 59, Centro, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, México. *Corresponding author.
Caribbean Naturalist, No. 46 (2018)
Abstract
he design of an integrative pest management program for rodents depends on an understanding of the biology and ecology of pest species. Here, we describe the abundance, and demographic and reproductive parameters of Mus musculus (House Mouse) in Mérida, Yucatán, México. A total of 906 house mice were trapped over 3 dry seasons (2009–2014) in a rural community. The sex ratio was significantly different from 1:1, with males (n = 519) more abundant than females (n = 389). Male mice were heavier than non-pregnant females. Mice in the weight class 8.1–12.0 g were more abundant compared to other weight classes. House Mice trapped in Mérida had high reproductive parameters (e.g., 51% of females were pregnant) and reproductive rates (estimated birth rate of 61 young per year). This information provides additional insights into the natural history of the House Mouse in tropical regions. Further studies evaluating factors such as rainfall, pathogens, or predation rates on mouse populations will increase our understanding of rodent population dynamics in tropical rural localities.
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