Social organization of the vole Clethrionomys rufocanus and its demographic and genetic consequences: A review

Abstract

Abstract. Recent findings on the relationship between social interaction and demographic process in the gray-sided vole Clethrionomys rufocanus are reviewed with reference to the findings in other microtine rodents. Social behavior was particularly focused on spacing and dispersal, and their effects on population dynamics are discussed. Female territoriality can limit a population abundance as a density-dependent factor, although its regulatory effect is controversial. Female philopatry and male-biased dispersal should bring about the clumped distribution of female relatives and genetically random distribution of males during the breeding season. The sexual difference in dispersal patterns can contribute to the mating behavior of the vole; promiscuous mating and low frequency of incestuous mating. However, effects of social structure, including kinship, on reproduction and survival of individuals still remains to be clarified. Molecular markers may help to solve these issues and provide new field of population ecology in microtine rodents.

A model for the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis in Hokkaido, Japan

“…The model works well provided that there are no immigrations or emigrations of foxes in a target area, while there is no need to take in any immigrations or emigrations of voles owing to their narrow and exclusive home range (Saitoh, 1991;Ishibashi et al, 1998).…”

So, what do we know and what do we need to know more about the population ecology of the voleClethrionomys rufocanus?

“…female territoriality) and dispersal behavior (e.g. male-biased dispersal pattern) are also well known (Ishibashi et al 1998a). 7.…”

“…Molecular techniques will be useful tools to clarify the spatial scales (Stacy et al 1997;Ishibashi et al 1998a). ) Such a large-scale transect might be on the order of 500 km long.…”

“…Stacy et al 1997;Bj0rnstad et al 1998b). Genetic information using molecular techniques is inevitably required to analyze interaction at individual level (Ishibashi et al 1998a). [Incidentally, reading commentaries to the main papers of the Special Feature, it is indeed noticeable that the old controversy of the importance of social factors in the shaping of the microtine rodent cycle still is alive.]…”

Kin‐related social organization in a winter population of the vole Clethrionomys rufocanus

“…Because of female philopatry, female kin clusters will be formed in spring (Boonstra et al 1987;Salvioni and Lidicker 1995;Ishibashi et al 1997Ishibashi et al , 1998. Such a cluster may positively affect reproductive success owing to altruistic and cooperative sharing of space and other resources (Kawata 1987;Lambin and Krebs 1993;Mappes et al 1995; but see also Sera and Gaines 1994).…”