Field guide to red tree vole nests

Abstract

Surveys for red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) nests require tree climbing because the species is a highly specialized arboreal rodent that live in the tree canopy of coniferous forests in western Oregon and northwestern California. Tree voles are associated with old coniferous forest (≥80 years old) that are structurally complex, but are often found in young forests (<80 years old) especially in unthinned young forests adjacent to old forest. Throughout much of their range tree voles primarily forage and nest in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and occasionally in grand fir (Abies grandis). The exception is in the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) zone along coast of Oregon where tree voles primarily nest in and feed on Sitka spruce and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). This photographic nest guide is intended to aid identification and classification of tree vole sign with minimal impact on nests. The primary users of this guide will be tree climbers who search for distinctive tree vole nest material that indicates presence.

Citation

Lesmeister, Damon B.; Swingle, James K. 2017. Field guide to red tree vole nests. Interagency Special Status and Sensitive Species Program. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region and USDI Bureau of Land Management, Oregon/Washington Portland, Oregon. 41 p.