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Moonlight's influence on predator/prey interactions between short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) and deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

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Summary

This study examines the effect of moonlight intensity on deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) vulnerability to predation by short-eared owls (Asio flammeus).

Three nocturnal light intensities, labeled new moon, quarter moon, and full moon, were simulated in a flight chamber. Deermouse activity was observed and measured by an index of tracking intensity in the chamber's sand floor. The mice were then exposed to predation by a short-eared owl in each light intensity and search time, chase time, capture time, and the number of escapes/chase were measured.

The results reveal the adaptive significance of deermouse activity suppression in full moon light as an anti-predator response. The deermice reduced activity significantly in bright moonlight during the activity phases. During the predation phases, the owls' hunting effectiveness increased as moonlight waxed. The owls required significantly less time to search for and capture the mice as illumination increased.

The costs and benefits to both species are discussed relative to the prey's variation of activity with moonlight intensity.

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Author notes

  1. Jennifer A. Clarke

    Present address: Department of Zoology, Washington State University, 99164, Pullman, Washington, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Montana, 59812, Missoula, Montana, USA

    Jennifer A. Clarke

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  1. Jennifer A. Clarke
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Clarke, J.A. Moonlight's influence on predator/prey interactions between short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) and deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 13, 205–209 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299924

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299924

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