The dynamics of Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) populations in the Camargue

Abstract

The ecology of two monospecific populations of Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) was studied using mark‐recapture techniques in a high grassland and a low grassland of the Camargue. Annual changes in population size resembled the classical pattern of variation for European Wood mice. Numbers were low in summer, and peaks in numbers occurred in autumn and decreased sharply in early spring. However, the densities of the populations in winter were higher than many other European Wood mouse populations. The Wood mouse population in the high grassland area was dense and showed regular variations throughout the year. In the low grassland area, the population was lower and showed less regular variations, especially in winter, coinciding with soil flooding. Reproduction‐related differences between the demographic parameters of the two sexes pointed to the use of differential space use strategies by males and females.