The role of the Korean wood mouse (Apodemus peninsulae Thomas, 1907) in mercury transport in ecosystems in the south-east of Sikhote-Alin

Abstract

The role of the Korean wood mouse in mercury transport was studied by total mercury in 2018 and 2022. In 2018, the total mercury content of the Korean wood mouse was generally lower than in 2022. What is the reason for such differences in mercury levels between years is not clear. Total mercury in this rodent ranged from 0.000 mg/kg dry weight (DW, brain, pelage, muscles, liver, kidney) up to 0.576 mg/kg DW (liver). Median distribution decreased as following: kids (0.053 mg/kg DW) → lien (0.048) → chyme (0.047) → pelage (0.045) → gut (0.044) → liver (0.042) → muscles (0.025) → brain (0.015). The Korean wood mouse is the main prey of the leopard cat. The high level of mercury in the leopard cat’s fur (1,736 ± 0,351 mg/kg) is associated with mice. The Korean wood mouse, as a food object of more than 200 vertebrates, accumulates mercury in its body and transfers to the following trophic levels in an amount much larger than true herbivores, for example, water deer. This indicates its significant role in the transport of mercury in the terrestrial ecosystem.