Population response of the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus) to differentially cut white spruce forest.

Abstract

The population response of the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus) to a differentially cut white spruce (Picea glauca) forest 30 km southwest of Fairbanks, Alaska, was monitored by simultaneous livetrapping in a clearcut, in a partially cut or shelterwood area, and in an area of uncut forest. During the first summer after logging, vole density was similar in the shelterwood and uncut forest, but lower in the clearcut. Breeding occurred in all areas, and only overwintering females had litters. Movement between areas was minimal. Populations in all areas were similar in age and sex composition, per capita female reproduction, subadult survival, and the size of average home range. It is hypothesized that an unequal distribution of overwintering females produced the differences in density between areas, and that this difference resulted from variation in ground cover produced by the logging treatments. Population responses of C. rutilus to habitat alteration in interior Alaska are compared with responses of Clethrionomys populations at lower latitudes.

Citation

West, Stephen D.; Ford, R. Glenn; Zasada, John C. 1980. Population response of the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus) to differentially cut white spruce forest. Res. Note PNW-RN-362. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 15 p