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Multiple coping strategies maintain stability of a small mammal population in resource-restricted environments
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  • Ann Polyakov,
  • William Tietje,
  • Arjun Srivathsa,
  • Virginie Rolland,
  • James Hines,
  • Madan Oli
Ann Polyakov
University of California Berkeley

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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William Tietje
University of California Berkeley
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Arjun Srivathsa
University of Florida
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Virginie Rolland
Arkansas State University
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James Hines
USGS
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Madan Oli
University of Florida
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Abstract

In semi-arid environments, aperiodic rainfall pulses determine cycles of plant production and resource availability for higher trophic levels, creating strong bottom-up regulation. The influence of climatic factors on population vital rates often shapes the dynamics of small mammal populations in such resource-restricted environments. Using a 21-year biannual capture–recapture dataset (1993 to 2014), we examined the impacts of climatic factors on the population dynamics of the brush mouse (Peromyscus boylii) in semi-arid oak woodland of coastal-central California. We applied Pradel’s temporal symmetry model to estimate capture probability (p), apparent survival (φ), recruitment (f), and realized population growth rate (λ) of the brush mouse, and examined the effects of temperature, rainfall, and El Niño on these demographic parameters. The population was stable during the study period with a monthly realized population growth rate of 0.993 ± SE 0.032, but growth varied over time from 0.680 ± 0.054 to 1.450 ± 0.083. Monthly survival estimates averaged 0.817 ± 0.005 and monthly recruitment estimates averaged 0.175 ± 0.038. Survival probability and realized population growth were positively correlated with rainfall and negatively correlated with temperature. In contrast, recruitment was negatively correlated with rainfall and positively correlated with temperature. Brush mice maintained their population through multiple coping strategies, investing in high recruitment during warmer and drier periods and allocating more energy towards survival during cooler and wetter conditions. Although climatic change in coastal-central California will favor recruitment over survival, varying strategies may serve as a mechanism by which brush mice maintain resilience in the face of climate change. Our results indicate that rainfall and temperature are both important drivers of brush mouse population dynamics and will play a significant role in predicting the future viability of brush mice under a changing climate.
11 Dec 2020Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
13 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
13 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
20 Jan 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 May 20211st Revision Received
27 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
27 May 2021Assigned to Editor
27 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Sep 2021Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 11 issue 18 on pages 12529-12541. 10.1002/ece3.7997