Response To Con- and Heterospecific Male Odours By the Voles Micro Tus a Grestis, M. Arvalis and Clethrionomys Glareolus With Respect To Competition for Space

Abstract

Adults of Microtus agrestis, M. arvalis and Clethrionomys glareolus were offered the opportunity to explore an experimental alley, a section of which contained male odours of either of the three species. Neither of the species explored one of the sections of the alley more than the other one if the choice was between a section with conspecific odour and a non-odorous section. Both M. agrestis and C. glareolus preferred the non-odorous section when the choice was between M. arvalis odour and a non-odorous section. If an encounter with another vole was arranged in the alley before the opportunity was given to explore the partly odorous alley, then some additional avoiding responses to odours were assessed. M. agrestis now avoided both alien male conspecific odours and its own home cage odours. M. arvalis now avoided both the odours of C. glareolus and M. agrestis. Other responses to odours were not affected by an encounter. An encounter per se did not lead a vole to avoid the place where it had taken place. The survival value and the possible role of the avoiding tendencies in intra- and interspecific competition for space are discussed. Probably, odour avoidance is only an additional way in the communication between voles.

Odor preference and social behavior in meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus: seasonal differences

“…We have demonstrated that among females, odor preference is related to agonistic interactions, with a vole often preferring the odor of a less agonistic conspecific (for example, a nonbreeding female's preference for female odor over male odor). These findings are similar to those of other microtine studies, in which odors have been shown to influence spacing and agonistic behavior (De Jonge 1980). Social interactions among meadow voles vary seasonally and with the reproductive condition of the participants, indicating that changes in social organization involve spacing behavior.…”

Seasonal control of odour preferences of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) by photoperiod and ovarian hormones

“…Reactions to odours indicate social interactions among microtine rodents (de Jonge, 1980;Reich & Tamarin, 1980;Stoddart, 1982). Generally, preferential orientation toward a particular odour source reflects nonagonistic or amicable behavioural interactions toward the odour donor (Newman & Halpin, 1988;Ferkin, 1989;Ferkin & Rutka, 1990).…”

Levels of social tolerance between snow volesChionomys nivalis during over-wintering periods

“…It has been reported that familiar relationships caused by long neighbouring or philopatric associations may influence the outcome of social interactions between conspecifics in some species of voles (De Jonge 1980, Ferkin 1988). Trapping and radiotelemetric data on C. nivalis, however, indicate that no stable spatial relationships between particular individuals occur during the non--breeding season (Le Louarn and Janeau 1975, J. J. Luque-Larena et al, unpubl.…”