Scent, rather than fur pattern, determines predation of mice: an in‐the‐wild experiment with plasticine mouse models

Abstract Wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus and striped field A. agrarius are the most abundant species in Central Europe coexisting several habitats not only such as forests but also rural urban areas. Their basic colours similar, has a pronounced black stripe on its back. The biological function of this phenotypic difference is unexplored; therefore, our goal was to study impact fur pattern well scent survival these species. In study, we used plasticine models mimicking wood mouse. For imitating scent, cotton pads saturated with urine were placed under models. spring 2016, 200 mice divided into four types (non‐striped non‐striped without scent) randomly sampling sites mid‐sized city, Pécs, Hungary. During 4 weeks exposure, recorded predation 71 Birds (51%) large mammals (25%) common predators, 24% cases, disappeared. Considering by mammals, found that daily rate both decreased comparison scent. Thus, mammalian predators could discover sooner than avian which suggests strong Despite high bird predation, did detect an effect suggesting it may be related might have other functional roles. With dummy experiment, showed play minor role detection thus further studies needed ecological function.