Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Set against the striking sandstone plateaus of Mesa Verde, this study follows two of the park’s most common small mammals—the pinyon mouse and the deer mouse. By pairing detailed field observations with the park’s well‑documented vegetation surveys, the author explores how each species fits into the rugged landscape that has long been home to ancient Pueblo peoples.

The work describes the meticulous trapping methods used to map home ranges, track nesting habits, and assess diet and water use. It also examines the microclimates of different habitats, seasonal changes in population density, and the predators and parasites that shape the mice’s lives.

Through careful comparison, the book reveals how these close relatives partition resources, adapt to rocky versus shrub‑dominated terrain, and influence one another’s distribution. Readers gain a clear picture of the delicate ecological balance that sustains these tiny inhabitants of the Colorado plateau.