Vole

Vole, common name for several RODENTS of family Muridae, found only in the northern hemisphere. Voles range in size from 15-20 g (red-backed voles) to 200 g (Richardson's water vole, Microtus richardsoni). They have stout bodies, short legs and tails, and ears nearly hidden by moderately long hair.

Distribution and Habitat

Genus Microtus (about 55 species) is most widespread and diverse; 12 Microtus species occur in Canada (including Richardson's, woodland, prairie, singing, montane, Townsend's, root, long-tailed, rock, chestnut-cheeked and creeping voles). Meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus), commonly called field mice, occur throughout Canada, in grasslands, FORESTS and low arctic TUNDRA. Red-backed voles (Clethrionomys), most abundant in forests, also occur on the prairies and on tundra west of Hudson Bay. Heather voles (Phenacomys intermedius), found across the BOREAL FOREST, are rare; sagebrush voles (Lagurus curtatus) are confined to dry grasslands of southwest Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta.

Reproduction and Development

Many voles make prominent runways and above-ground, grassy nests. They remain active and may breed under the snow cover. Females of many species become fertile immediately after giving birth, bearing litters at close intervals; they may have 2 or more litters in the summer of their own birth. Voles rarely survive more than one winter. Many species undergo cycles of abundance and scarcity, peaking every 3-4 years.

Relationship with Humans

Voles can cause serious losses of hay and CEREAL CROPS, and damage fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.

Author W.A. FULLER

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.