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Abstract
We evaluate several management options for Calomys musculinus populations through the formulation and validation of a cohort structured model. Initially, a basic model was constructed and validated using field population data. Next, the model was altered to allow us to evaluate different management options. In general, basic model results were in agreement with field data, demonstrating that this model would be useful in describing aspects of corn mouse population dynamics. Restricting control measures to when mouse numbers reach high levels would be inadequate, because population numbers tend to increase in size after some years. In contrast, reducing vegetation cover in spring was more effective in reducing field population abundances. Despite some limitations, the model could be useful for evaluating the relationships between population dynamics and some biotic or physical environmental variables, and thus ensure more efficient use of resources in integrated pest management.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a grant of Secretaría de Ciencia Técnica, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. We thank Mario Gulich of High Spatial Studies Institute (CONAE) for the provision of remote sensing data. We thank Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas “Dr. Julio Maiztegui” and Ernesto Castillo for sharing the field data used in this project. The help of Verónica Andreo for correcting the English is also acknowledged. Finally, we thank Mark A. Jervis and an anonymous reviewer for providing useful comments on an early version of the manuscript. The research on live animals was performed in a humane manner and was approved by national and international norms (http://www.sarem.org.ar).