title: Use of predator odors to protect chick-peas from predation by laboratory and wild mice.
abstract: Synthetic stoat odor (3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane and 2-propylthietane) and fox fecal odor (2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) at various concentrations were applied to chick-peas (Cicer arietinum) at sowing in an investigation aimed at reducing damage caused by house mice (Mus musculus). Stoat odor at 10% concentration exerted a measure of protection, as did 1% fox odor against predation by laboratory mice. Wild mice were less affected by synthetic predator odor and appeared to have a shorter memory for it. Laboratory mice cannot be regarded as surrogate wild mice, when used in experimental situations such as those employed here.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Tasmania, 7001, Hobart, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coulston
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Stoddart
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Crump