Population dynamics and demography of deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in heterogeneous habitat: Role of coarse woody debris

Abstract

I tested the hypothesis that habitat heterogeneity increases with increasing amounts of coarse woody debris (CWD) by comparing Peromyscus maniculatus populations in sites with high and low amounts of CWD. Sherman live-trapping technique was applied to monitor population fluctuation and to measure demographic parameters. In sites with high amount of CWD density was higher, populations fluctuated less, survivorship was better and residency time was longer. These results were in accordance with predictions of habitat heterogeneity and CWD played an important role for demography of P maniculatus in managed coniferous forests.