Arboreal behaviour of the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (Rodentia: Muridae): a study in the Venetian plain

Abstract

The arboreal activity of the wood mouse is known, but mostly based on anecdotal evidence or single records. This study reports on field observations carried out systematically during an indirect survey conducted in the Venetian plain using hair tubes positioned at different heights in the shrub layer. The research confirmed that in the study area the wood mouse moves not only at ground level, but at also a few meters above the ground reaching heights up to 2.30 m (1.54 m on average).