Seasonal Moulting in Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the Rocky Mountains, Alberta

Authors

  • Crisia A. Tabacaru Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
  • John S. Millar Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
  • Frederick J. Longstaffe Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v125i2.1195

Keywords:

North American Deer Mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, moult, seasonal, Kananaskis, Alberta

Abstract

We recorded seasonal moulting in North American Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the Kananaskis River valley, Alberta, Canada, to test the hypothesis that moulting is restricted to the times of year that do not overlap with other high-energy demands, such as reproduction (spring and summer), or with low nutrient availability (winter). Although a seasonal trend showing a peak in moulting in the post-breeding period provided support for our prediction, a low level of continuous moulting did occur throughout the year.

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Issue

Vol. 125 No. 2 (2011)

Section

Articles

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