Spatiotemporal population structure of the bank vole in a gradient of technogenic environmental pollution

Mukhacheva, S. V.

doi:10.1134/s1067413607030034

Cited by 18 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Aggregation patterns in voles have been previously investigated at a small‐scale only (Ostfeld, Lidicker & Heske 1985; Mukhacheva 2007), our study being the first one based on sufficiently large‐scale data to give conclusive evidence. We expected to find an aggregated pattern for the field voles that form matrilinear aggregations during the breeding season (Pusenius et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Weasels usually avoid extensive use of forest (Brandt & Lambin 2007) but introduced weasels may have used forests more than usual as they were seeking prey or a suitable area to settle (own observations during radiotracking of released weasels). Aggregation patterns in voles have been previously investigated at a small-scale only (Ostfeld, Lidicker & Heske 1985;Mukhacheva 2007), our study being the first one based on sufficiently large-scale data to give conclusive evidence. We expected to find an aggregated pattern for the field voles that form matrilinear aggregations during the breeding season (Pusenius et al 1997), but not in bank voles in which females are territorial during the breeding season (Koskela, Mappes & Ylo¨nen 1997) nor in the highly territorial common shrews (Churchfield 1990).…”

Section: Speciesmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…Myllymäki 1977; Hansson 1983), although based on data on much smaller spatial and temporal scales than here, in practice, during one season and within a habitat patch. Earlier studies on aggregation/segregation at the site level are largely non‐existent (though see Ostfeld, Lidicker & Heske 1985; Mukhacheva 2007). Our results confirmed the expectation (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Myllymäki 1977; Hansson 1983; Erlinge et al. 1990; Mukhacheva 2007) have pointed out that voles show predictable variation in their habitat use, for example increasing the use of marginal habitats at times of high population density. However, the majority of these studies have been conducted on relatively small spatial and temporal scales often without replication, leaving the generality of the results as well as their causality partly open.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatio‐temporal patterns of habitat use in voles and shrews modified by density, season and predators

Sundell

Church

Ovaskainen

2012

Journal of Animal Ecology

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1. Although the intrinsic habitat preferences of a species can be considered to be fixed, the realized habitat use depends on the prevailing abiotic and biotic conditions. Often the core habitats are occupied by dense and stable populations, while marginal habitats become occupied only at times of high density. In a community of interacting species, habitat uses of different species become inter-related, for example an increased density of a strong competitor forcing a weaker competitor to use more marginal habitats. 2. We studied the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of three common small mammal species, the bank vole Myodes glareolus; the field vole Microtus agrestis; and the common shrew Sorex araneus, in a 4-year trapping study carried out on six large islands, each containing a mixture of three main habitat types (forest, field and clear-cut). We experimentally released least weasels (Mustela n. nivalis) to some of the islands to see how the focal species respond to increased predation pressure. 3. Both vole species were largely restricted to their core habitats (bank voles to forests and field voles to fields) at times of low population density. With increasing density, the relative habitat use of both species increased in the clear-cut areas. The common shrew was a generalist in its habitat use at all population densities. 4. The release of the weasels changed the habitat use of all study species. 5. The vole species showed a stronger aggregated pattern than the common shrew, especially at low population density. The vole aggregations remained in the same localities between seasons, except in the case of bank voles after the weasels were released. 6. Bank voles and field voles avoided each other at high density. 7. We conclude that intrinsically differential habitat requirements and flexibility to modify habitat use facilitate the coexistence of the two competing vole species in mosaic landscapes consisting of boreal forests and open habitats.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%