Population Dynamics of Voles

Abstract

Microtine rodents, such as voles and lemmings, have been the subject of intense interest in population biology for over 50 years. Much of this interest stems from the dramatic fluctuations in density observed in many populations. These fluctuations are often cyclic in nature, with large-scale irruptions occurring every 2 to 4 years. Voles and other small rodents are also of great economic importance due to their potential as agricultural pests and vectors of disease. Voles may cause substantial damage to a wide variety of crops and cause severe damage to fruit orchards by girdling trees. Renewed attention is also being given to the population dynamics of small rodents due to their prospective role in outbreaks of Lyme disease and the Hanta virus. Understanding the factors that regulate their population densities is the first step in controlling future outbreaks.

The true Voles … number about fifty known species. Cassell’s Natural History, III, 115 edited by Martin Duncan, 1877

This chapter was contributed by Gary Fortier.