Bioacoustics of Baiomys taylori and Reithrodontomys megalotis

Summer 2021
Mentor: Dr. Bret Pasch
NAU Department of Biological Sciences

My work with the Pasch lab focused on investigating elements of vocalization in two species of vocal mouse - Baiomys taylori and Reithrodontomys megalotis. I worked with Dr. Pasch to develop a method of recording of recording and measuring the relative oral gape of these mice. We then associated this relative oral gape with the frequency of the call produced on that frame. We also quantified acoustic radiation in situ for Baiomys taylori by using synthetic playbacks of their calls at variable distances.

In the Lab

We investigated the role small changes in oral gape may affect the frequencies of calls produced by Baiomys taylori and Reithrodontomys megalotis. To this end, I recorded captive individuals from each species using GoPro Hero 7 cameras.

Software & Skills:

I edited videos in Adobe Premiere Pro
I assessed mouse calls with Raven Pro Spectrographs
I used MATLAB for measuring oral gape distances
I used R Studio to produce figures
- ggplot, tidyverse

In the Field

We investigated the ability of B. taylori to project calls in situ in New Mexico. We used powerful microphones to assess the distances at which these mice could interpret calls from other mice in dense vegetation where they are known to be found.

Skills:

I set out and retrieved dozens of Sherman traps for small mammals
I spent time traversing and camping in desert and grassland conditions
I have experience safely handling wild-caught and captive mice