Using body size to predict perceptual range

Abstract

We examined the relationship between body size and perceptual range (the distance at which an animal can perceive landscape elements) for a group of forest-dwelling rodents. We used previously published data on orientation ability at various distances for three sciurid species (gray squirrel, fox squirrel and chipmunk) and one murid species (white-footed mouse) to build a predictive model. We found a significant positive relationship between perceptual range and body mass. Although this model was built using a 15.5 m high horizon, we used this relation to predict the perceptual range of root voles (3.9-4.3 m) orienting towards a 0.5 m high horizon which was consistent with other empirical work suggesting a value of something less than 5 m. This model illustrates a relationship between perceptual range and body size and can be used to develop starting points for future investigations of perceptual range for similar organisms.

Keywords

Forest-dwelling rodents, disturbance, white-footed mice, chipmunks, fox squirrels, gray squirrels.

Citation

Mech, Stephen G.; Zollner, Patrick A. 2002. Using body size to predict perceptual range. OIKOS 98: 47-52, 2002