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Field identification of European wood mice Apodemus spp. is challenging due to their morphological resemblance and frequent sympatry. We developed discriminant functions based on body mass and acoustic variables of distress calls to identify three cryptic species of wood mice ( Apodemus alpicola, Apodemus flavicollis and Apodemus sylvaticus) in Italy. We achieved an overall correct classification rate of 86-98%; the best results (100% correct classification) were obtained for Apodemus sylvaticus calls. This minimally invasive, effective and low-cost method highlights the potential role of bioacoustics as a powerful tool for field discrimination of cryptic species of terrestrial mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm retention and delayed implantation are reproductive adaptations, which allow animals to optimize timing of birth and increase individual breeding potential. Such mechanisms are widespread in the animal kingdom. However, among rodent mammals, these mechanisms are only known for murids. In this work, we report the first documented case of multiple broods in a row in a glirid rodent, the Hazel Dormouse. We recorded the production of two litters by the same adult captive female after a single mating session with a male. We discuss the relevance of our findings towards a better understanding of the dormouse's reproductive biology and its conservation. Future research should clarify the exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and establish its frequency in wild populations of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]