Outbreaks of house mice in Australia: limitation by a key resource
Date
2002
Authors
White, T.
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Journal article
Citation
Crop and Pasture Science, 2002; 53(5):505-509
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Abstract
<jats:p>Plagues of mice are generated in cereal-growing areas when mice can sustain
breeding at high levels for much longer than usual. They may do this when,
after good early rains, they have access to abundant
ripening seeds, followed by large quantities of
prematurely germinating seeds in seedheads soaked by
further rain just prior to harvest. Both ripening and germinating seeds,
unlike mature seeds, contain high levels of soluble amino acids that are
necessary for successful breeding. Results from work on birds and other
animals support this hypothesis.</jats:p>