Table 1 Table of the knowledge gaps we have identified in the seed dispersal process that would allow for a more complete parameterization of a future version of our model, the assumptions we used in our model to circumvent such gaps, and the recommended empirical work needed to truly fill those gaps.
Knowledge gap | Assumptions of our model | Empirical work needed |
|---|---|---|
Daily movement | Mice moved to 150 random patches within their home range | Radio telemetry tracking of nightly deer mouse movements to determine how much distance they cover, how many foraging bouts they make in a night, and spatial movement patterns |
Cache recovery and pilferage | Cache recovery was not considered. Mice pilfered one time in our model, having access to each cache that was not their own | Tracking caches after initial seed dispersal and cache formation to determine cache recovery and pilferage rates through time |
Recaching behavior | Mice had the opportunity to recache pilfered seeds one time using the probability of a positive interaction determined using data on deer mouse initial seed interaction and dispersal events | Tracking seeds through multiple cache recovery and/or pilferage events to either spring germination or consumption to determine the rates of recaching versus consumption and final seed fates |
Germination and emergence rates of cached seeds | Germination was assumed to be constant at 66%42 | Emergence experiments to assess the rates of germination and emergence of seeds handled and cached by deer mice and how those rates vary by cache site |
