Plant Composition in Relation to Vole Damage in Coniferous Plantations

Voles (Mammalia: Arvicolidae) are reported to be key consumers of tree seedlings in some habitats, but their importance in old-field succession is not known. Natural populations of voles fluctuate widely in density, and we sought to determine the effects of vole density on seedling predation. We used a randomized block design, with meadow voles maintained at three density levels (low, medium, high; three replicates of each) in field enclosures for 17 mo. We introduced young seedlings of five tree species into the enclosures. Three cohorts of seedlings were planted under intact vegetation, and one was planted in small areas from which we had cleared all vegetation. Overall predation rates were high for all cohorts planted under intact vegetation. There was a significant effect of vole density on seedling predation rates for two of these three cohorts; nearly all seedlings were destroyed in enclosures with high vole density. Predation rates by voles were highest for white ash and red maple, intermediate for white pine, and lowest for eastern hemlock and red oak. For the cohort planted in small clearings, mean predation rates were low and there was no density effect. Spatial variation in seedling predation rates was higher in enclosures with low and medium densities of voles than in high-density enclosures. In three of the cohorts there was a significant block effect, with the same block consistently having the highest predation rates. Evidence suggests that the block effect was caused by genetic differences among voles. Seedling predation by voles can: (1) delay old-field succession by reducing the number of tree invaders; (2) create patchiness by concentrating surviving seedlings in certain microsites; and (3) alter relative abundances of invading species via differences in palatability or apparency. We suggest that the population dynamics of voles be viewed as a keystone process in old-field succession.

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“…Bergeron and Jodoin 1989). However, this block effect was not a result of any habitat differences we could detect (cf.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Effects of Meadow Vole Population Density on Tree Seedling Survival in Oil Fields

Ostfeld¹,

Canham²

1993

Ecology

143

102

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“…Adler and Wilson (1989) reported abundance and survival of meadow voles increased linearly up to a critical level of grass cover of 30-40%. Thus, biomass of grasses (including pasture grasses), vegetation complexity, and amount of downed wood may all have combined to provide optimum habitat for vole population buildups and enhanced survival, particularly during overwinter periods (Birney et al, 1976;Getz, 1985;Bergeron and Jodoin, 1989;Adler, 1987).…”

Section: Voles and Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In forestry, voles of the genera Microtus and Myodes (Hansson, 1989;Sullivan and Sullivan, 2001), wildfires (Fisher and Wilkinson, 2005), and in old fields (perennial grasslands) undergoing afforestation (Bergeron and Jodoin, 1989;Ostfeld and Canham, 1993). Grasses, forbs, and shrubs in these habitats provide food and cover for Microtus voles (Batzli, 1985;Getz, 1985;Ostfeld, 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Forecasting vole population outbreaks in forest plantations: The rise and fall of a major mammalian pest

Sullivan

Sullivan²

2010

Forest Ecology and Management

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“…In many regions small rodents cause serious loss in forest plantations (Sartz 1970;Bergeron and Jodoin 1989;Hansson 2002;Ferguson et al 2003). Tree seeds and seedlings frequently undergo high predation by small rodents, and such predation can significantly affect forest regeneration (Ostfeld and Canham 1993;Ostfeld et al 1997;Kitabatake and Kaji 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Characteristics of tree damage by the grey red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae) in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido, Japan

Unno

Nakata

2010

Journal of Forest Research

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In deciduous forests, tree seeds and seedlings are frequently exposed to high predation by small rodents, and this predation can have an important effect on forest regeneration. However, damage to large trees by small rodents has not been studied, except for damage observed during timber production. To determine factors affecting damage to large trees by the grey red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae), the characteristics and spatial patterns of tree damage by voles at vole wintering sites were examined over 3 years in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido. This study found that the location of damaged trees was related to vole wintering sites. Vole damage was affected by tree species. Damaged trees were heavily concentrated in small areas. Leaning trees and trees that had suffered previous damage were more likely to be damaged. However, the diameter at breast height was not significantly related to vole damage. These differences in susceptibility to vole damage may result in different tree mortality.

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Plant Composition in Relation to Vole Damage in Coniferous Plantations

Abstract: Resume

Cited by 23 publications

References 9 publications

Effects of Meadow Vole Population Density on Tree Seedling Survival in Oil Fields

Effects of Meadow Vole Population Density on Tree Seedling Survival in Oil Fields

Forecasting vole population outbreaks in forest plantations: The rise and fall of a major mammalian pest

Characteristics of tree damage by the grey red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae) in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido, Japan

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