scholarly journals Developing relative abundance techniques (RATs) for monitoring rodent populations

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desley A. Whisson ◽  
Richard M. Engeman ◽  
Kellie Collins
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Statistical Parameters ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Track Plates ◽  
Indexing Technique ◽  
Rodent Populations ◽  
Apple Slice

Accurate density estimates of rodents are frequently difficult or cost-prohibitive to determine. Thus, a number of techniques (track plates, monitoring blocks, chew cards/sticks, apple slice index, trapping) are often used to index rodent populations. Theoretically, the sensitivity of these indexing techniques could be improved if they applied continuous measurements rather than simple binary measurements (presence/absence). Development of a relative abundance technique that is simple to apply and sensitive to changes in population density is critical for the operational management of rodent pests. In addition to providing a quantitative measure of abundance with statistical parameters, an indexing technique that does not require handling of animals is important in consideration of potential disease issues (for example, hantavirus, arenavirus, etc.). We investigated track plates, chew cards and monitoring blocks and associated continuous measurement methods for calculating indices of rodent abundance. In laboratory and field settings, we tested their effectiveness in detecting different population densities of California meadow voles (Microtus californicus). Chew cards were poorly accepted by meadow voles in pen and field tests. However, track plates and monitoring blocks may provide useful tools for indexing meadow vole populations, and have application for other rodent species.

Winter coexistence of voles in spruce forest: relevance of seasonal changes in aggression

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 1004-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian N. Turner ◽  
Michael R. Perrin ◽  
Stuart L. Iverson
Keyword(s):  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Spruce Forest ◽  
Vole Population ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Interspecific Aggression ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Short Period

Beginning in November 1973, numerous meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) moved onto a spruce forest grid occupied by red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi). A resident meadow vole population resulted, the two species coexisting until April 1974, when most meadow voles disappeared from the grid during a relatively short period. Interspecific aggression levels, as determined from voles temporarily removed from the populations and tested in paired encounters in a laboratory arena, were low during the winter, but increased when males of both species entered reproductive condition in the spring. Microtus was generally dominant in early breeding period encounters, but this dominance declined concurrently with the meadow voles' disappearance from the forest. It is argued that meadow voles did not leave the forest to breed, or because the snow cover melted, since this species will live and reproduce in forest in the absence of Clethrionomys. The results are interpreted as support for an earlier hypothesis that competitive habitat exclusion varies seasonally with reproduction-related aggression. Thus, these species apparently may coexist in either of their preferred habitats when interspecific aggression is low (the nonbreeding season), but this relationship terminates when interspecific aggression levels increase with the resumption of breeding in the spring.

Development of meadow voles is influenced postnatally by maternal photoperiodic history

1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (4) ◽  
pp. R749-R755 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Growth ◽  
Reproductive Development ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Maternal Influence ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Photoperiod Sensitive ◽  
Pup Development ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross Fostering

The importance of maternal photoperiodic history during lactation on the postnatal development of meadow vole pups was tested by cross-fostering pups on the day of birth between photorefractory females (housed for 26 wk in a 10:14-h light-dark cycle before mating) and photosensitive females (housed for 2 wk in a 10:14-h light-dark cycle before mating). Control pups were cross-fostered to females with the same photoperiodic history as the gestational dam. Somatic growth and food intake of cross-fostered pups were influenced by the photoperiod of the postnatal lactating dam. Pre- and postnatal maternal photoperiodic history interacted with the sex of the offspring to influence reproductive development. Pelage development was determined exclusively by the prenatal maternal photoperiodic history. The impact of a postnatal maternal influence on pup development of photoperiod-sensitive traits is discussed.

Habitat use and abundance of deer mice: interactions with meadow voles and red-backed voles

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 1870-1879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Galindo ◽  
Charles J. Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Deer Mouse ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Field Season ◽  
The Common ◽  
Clethrionomys Rutilus

In this study we investigated the influence of competitive interactions on the use of habitats and relative abundance of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). If interspecific competition is influencing the habitat use and relative abundance of deer mice, then removal or introduction of potential competitors will change habitat use and abundance of this species. During the first field season we removed meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) to look at the effect on the contiguous population of deer mouse. The removal of one species had no effect on the other species' distribution or demography. In the second field season, meadow voles declined to very low numbers and we used their natural fluctuation as a removal experiment. Deer mouse populations were not affected even when the natural decline of meadow voles was more effective in maintaining the sedge meadow free of voles than the previous removal manipulation was. During the 3rd year, meadow voles colonized two areas of forest where deer mice had been alone the previous two field seasons. Red-backed voles (Clethrionomys rutilus), in turn, increased from very low numbers in four grids. Neither meadow voles nor red-backed voles affected the spatial distribution or abundance of deer mice. The results of this study indicate that competitive interactions have no influence on the use of habitats and relative abundance of the common species of small mammals in the southwestern Yukon.

Control of Small Mammals on a Hardwood Plantation by Poison-Bait Feeders

1977 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-99
Author(s):  
Arthur M. Martell ◽  
Andrew Radvanyi
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Southern Ontario

Poison-bait feeder stations were placed on a hardwood plantation in southern Ontario in 1973 to attempt long-term control of a meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) population by continuous dispensing of poisoned grain. Baiting by means of feeders successfully reduced the numbers of meadow voles and maintained them at a low density, about 3-6/ha (1.2-2.4/acre), through April 1976. During the same period, the density of meadow voles on surrounding unpoisoned areas declined from a 1973 peak to about the same as that found on the poisoned plot by fall and winter 1975-76. Despite that low density, less than 4/ha (1.6/acre), severe gnawing and girdling of young hardwoods occurred during winter. Poison-bait feeders are efficient at reducing meadow vole populations from high to low density, but it cannot be assumed that even those low-density populations will not damage hardwood plantations.

scholarly journals Cover Crops Influence Meadow Vole Presence in Organic Orchards

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 558-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel R. Wiman ◽  
Elizabeth M. Kirby ◽  
David M. Granatstein ◽  
Thomas P. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Wood Chip ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Birdsfoot Trefoil ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Sandwich System ◽  
Mulch Cover

Living mulch cover crops can improve soil health and build organic matter, yet their use in fruit orchards comes with a risk of encouraging meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), a rodent that can be destructive to fruit trees. Several living mulch cover crop species were assessed in an apple (Malus ×domestica) orchard understory along with wood chip mulch and bare ground. Desired species characteristics were weed competitiveness, low growth habit, nitrogen fixation, and potential rodent repellency. Legume species included birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), medic (Medicago spp.), and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), which were planted in solid stands as well as mixtures. Nonlegume species included sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), and colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis). Meadow vole presence was evaluated in fall and spring with point-intersect and run-length measurements. A legume mix (medic, birdsfoot trefoil, subterranean clover, and colonial bentgrass) had the highest meadow vole presence, with no reduction under the “sandwich” system of tilling either side of the tree trunks while leaving a cover crop in a narrow strip with the trunks. The nonlegume mix [colonial bentgrass, sweet alyssum, creeping thyme, and fivespot (Neomophila maculata)] had similar results. However, the sweet woodruff (planted in the “sandwich” system) had significantly lower presence of meadow voles than the other living mulches. Wood chip mulch, cultivation, and bare ground control were all similar, with very low presence, indicating low risk of meadow vole damage. The results from the sweet woodruff suggest that we need more research on the potential to select living mulches that are nonattractive or repellent to meadow voles for use in orchards.

scholarly journals Statistical modeling of the long-range-dependent structure of barrier island framework geology and surface geomorphology

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley A. Weymer ◽  
Phillipe Wernette ◽  
Mark E. Everett ◽  
Chris Houser
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level Rise ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Barrier Island ◽  
Barrier Islands ◽  
Wave Number ◽  
Statistical Parameters ◽  
Padre Island

Abstract. Shorelines exhibit long-range dependence (LRD) and have been shown in some environments to be described in the wave number domain by a power-law characteristic of scale independence. Recent evidence suggests that the geomorphology of barrier islands can, however, exhibit scale dependence as a result of systematic variations in the underlying framework geology. The LRD of framework geology, which influences island geomorphology and its response to storms and sea level rise, has not been previously examined. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys conducted along Padre Island National Seashore (PAIS), Texas, United States, reveal that the EMI apparent conductivity (σa) signal and, by inference, the framework geology exhibits LRD at scales of up to 101 to 102 km. Our study demonstrates the utility of describing EMI σa and lidar spatial series by a fractional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) process that specifically models LRD. This method offers a robust and compact way of quantifying the geological variations along a barrier island shoreline using three statistical parameters (p, d, q). We discuss how ARIMA models that use a single parameter d provide a quantitative measure for determining free and forced barrier island evolutionary behavior across different scales. Statistical analyses at regional, intermediate, and local scales suggest that the geologic framework within an area of paleo-channels exhibits a first-order control on dune height. The exchange of sediment amongst nearshore, beach, and dune in areas outside this region are scale independent, implying that barrier islands like PAIS exhibit a combination of free and forced behaviors that affect the response of the island to sea level rise.

A STUDY OF THE WINTER FEEDING HABITS OF THE SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) IN THE TORONTO REGION

1947 ◽  
Vol 25d (2) ◽  
pp. 45-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. W. F. Banfield
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Deer Mouse ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Appreciable Effect ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Avian Predators ◽  
Asio Flammeus ◽  
Minimum Estimate ◽  
Winter Feeding

The winter feeding habits of the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus Pontoppidan) were studied during the period of 1936 to 1942 in the vicinity of Toronto, Ont. The owls used restricted roosts in several groups of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia) on a golf course. By means of frequent owl population censuses and collection of pellets, food requirements and correlations were calculated.The winter incursions of the owls were found to be cyclic and to coincide with the local meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) cycle and to be independent of meteorological factors. Roosting behaviour was found to vary with snow cover.From an analysis of 3000 pellets it was found that the meadow vole formed 82% of the food taken. The next animal most commonly preyed upon was the deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), which comprised 17% of the food, while birds formed 1%. No significant seasonal change in diet was noted over a period of five months.It was calculated that a short-eared owl eats between 700 and 1600 mice per year. The average figure is thought to be nearer the minimum estimate. Translated to weight of mice this is equivalent to between 55.5 and 127 lb.It was demonstrated that the amount of snow on the ground affected the relative availability of meadow voles and deer mice. This fact was reflected in changes in pressure on the populations of the two mice species due to owl predation.The data presented pointed to the possibility that concentrations of avian predators could have an appreciable effect on local meadow vole populations. In the case under study it was estimated that winter short-eared owl predation might account for 10% of the vole population.The data also suggested that during periods of deep snow, because of decreased availability of meadow voles, less food is taken and during open periods increased availability of these mice is reflected by increased food consumption.

Seasonal variations in the mass and composition of brown adipose tissue in the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Didow ◽  
J. S. Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Relative Mass ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Percentage Composition ◽  
Brown Adipose

Wild meadow voles were collected each month of the year and analyzed for the mass and composition of their brown adipose tissue. The relative mass of brown adipose tissue decreased with increasing body weight in both summer and winter.Seasonal changes in the relative mass of brown adipose tissue were inversely related to seasonal changes in ambient temperature. In mature voles, the relative mass of brown adipose tissue was lowest during summer (0.5%) and increased rapidly to a level of 1.7% in early winter. Similarly, immature voles had their lowest relative mass in summer (1.0%) and increased this to 2.3% in winter. Both groups showed some decrease in the winter amount of the tissue when the subnivean environment became established. The percentage composition of brown adipose tissue with respect to water, lipid, and protein did not change significantly through the year.The results provide corroboration for laboratory studies which show that the mass and composition of brown adipose tissue are related to the requirement for cold thermogenesis. In voles, this requirement was present throughout the year and varied only in degree.

Parental behaviour of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) in relation to sex of offspring

Behaviour ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 151 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty McGuire ◽  
William E. Bemis ◽  
Francoise Vermeylen
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Prairie Vole ◽  
Microtus Ochrogaster ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Prairie Voles ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Offspring Sex

Monogamous parents are predicted to invest equally in male and female offspring whereas polygynous parents in good condition are predicted to invest more in male than female offspring. Sex-biased parental investment can occur in three ways: (1) mothers and fathers invest different amounts of care in their offspring (effect of parent sex); (2) parents invest different amounts of care in male and female offspring (effect of offspring sex); and (3) one parent, but not the other, invests different amounts of care in male and female offspring (interaction between parent sex and offspring sex). Studies of parent–offspring interactions in rodents have focused on either effect of parent sex or effect of offspring sex, but not the interaction between parent sex and offspring sex, and most studies have examined only one species. We studied prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a monogamous species, and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus), a polygynous (or promiscuous) species, under laboratory conditions designed to simulate field conditions. For each species, we recorded the frequency and duration with which mothers and fathers licked their male and female offspring. We found that meadow vole fathers licked male offspring for longer durations than female offspring. However, prairie vole fathers, prairie vole mothers, and meadow vole mothers did not lick male and female pups for different durations. From the standpoint of the pups, male prairie vole pups, female prairie vole pups, and female meadow vole pups were licked for longer durations by their mothers than by their fathers. In contrast, for male meadow vole pups there was no difference in the duration with which they were licked by mothers and fathers. We also detected effects of litter size: as litter size increased, the frequency and duration of pup licking decreased for mothers and increased for fathers. For duration (but not frequency) of pup licking, these changes were more dramatic in meadow voles than in prairie voles. Our data are generally consistent with predictions that monogamous parents, such as prairie voles, should invest equally in male and female offspring whereas polygynous (or promiscuous) parents, such as meadow voles, should invest more in male offspring when conditions are favourable. Our data also highlight the complexity of parent–offspring interactions in rodents and emphasize the need to examine whether male and female offspring within a species differ in their behaviour or ability to obtain parental care.

scholarly journals Rodenticides for the Control of Pine and Meadow Voles in Orchards

1991 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-172
Author(s):  
Ross E. Byers ◽  
David H. Carbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Zinc Phosphide ◽  
The Other ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
New Anticoagulants ◽  
Field Control ◽  
Excellent Control ◽  
Mixed Populations

Abstract Two new anticoagulants (bromadiolone—90% control) and (difethialone—87% control) gave excellent control of voles in field and laboratory tests. The older anticoagulants, chlorophacinone—84% control and diphacinone—75% control, and two zinc phosphide formulations (Bell Labs—84% control and Hopkins—79% control) also gave excellent field control of voles. The Ridall zinc phosphide formulation—61% control, and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)—59% control did not perform as well as the other rodenticides previously mentioned. The antibiotic, oxytetracycline, killed from 40% to 80% of pine and meadow voles in laboratory trials when applied to cut apples, but only 10 to 30% when pelletized baits were presented. In a mixed pine and meadow vole orchard population, zinc phosphide raised the ratio of surviving pine to meadow voles while anticoagulants lowered the ratio. Thus, the rotation of rodenticides is thought to be desirable to prevent the shift of one species to the other in mixed populations and to prevent bait shyness from developing to zinc phosphide.

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