Drivers of predatory behavior and extreme size in house mice Mus musculus on Gough Island

House mice on Gough Island exhibit extreme body mass (50–60% greater than other island populations) and high predatory behavior, driven by enhanced overwinter survival. This study reveals that mice maintain higher mass and condition during winter, coinciding with peak mortality rates, by exploiting abundant seabird chicks. Proximity to neighboring predated nests and nesting densities further influence predation likelihood. The research highlights how island syndrome traits in introduced rodents, such as increased body size and density, contribute to devastating impacts on native species like burrowing petrels and the Critically Endangered Tristan albatross. The study combines field observations with ecological analysis to link seasonal survival patterns to predatory behavior.

Cuthbert, R. J., Wanless, R. M., Angel, A., Burle, M.-H., Hilton, G. M., Louw, H., Visser, P., Wilson, J. W., & Ryan, P. G. (2016). Drivers of predatory behavior and extreme size in house mice Mus musculus on Gough Island. Journal of Mammalogy, 97(2), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyv199