Over new study, based on 39-year of ecological monitoring in Maine, USA, analyzed white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) abundance and associated forest and climatic data. We found that mouse abundance increased by ~67 % and average weight by ~15 % during the study period. These trends were driven primarily by rising acorn production — a result of both forest maturation (larger oak trees producing more seeds) and warmer spring temperatures. Mice that were heavier also showed higher survival probabilities. Our findings underline how long-term shifts in resource availability—mediated by forest growth and climate change—can cascade through ecosystems by altering consumer population dynamics and traits. Read the full paper here: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70114
J Anim Ecol: Long-term trends in acorn production translate into more and heavier rodents
