Montague Island vole: a conservation assessment.

Abstract

Montague Island tundra voles were first described in the early 1900s. Based on their large size and dark coloration relative to other island and mainland populations, tundra voles from Montague Island were classified as a distinct subspecies. Research conducted in the 1990s revealed significant differences in the size and shape of Montague Island voles, but not significant genetic differentiation. Montague Island voles appeared abundant in the 1990s, although there was no attempt to estimate population size. Montague Island voles may be reproductively and genetically isolated. More sensitive genetic techniques now can be used to test genetic distinctiveness across populations. A conservation concern exists owing to the unknown population status and still questionable taxonomy of this island endemic subspecies, because it is unknown if land management practices affect this isolated population.

Citation

Lance, Ellen Weintraub. 2002. Montague Island vole: a conservation assessment. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-542. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 14 p