Tundra vole

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Tundra vole
VOLE, TUNDRA (microtus oeconomus) (9-4-08) gambell, ak -2 (2834490753).jpg
Tundra vole in Alaska
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Subfamily: Arvicolinae
Genus: Alexandromys
Species:
A. oeconomus
Binomial name
Alexandromys oeconomus
(Pallas, 1776)
Microtus oeconomus map.svg
Synonyms [1]
  • Microtus oeconomus(Pallas, 1776)
  • Mus oeconomusPallas, 1776

The tundra vole (Alexandromys oeconomus) or root vole is a medium-sized vole found in Northern and Central Europe, Asia, and northwestern North America, including Alaska and northwestern Canada. [2] In the western part of the Netherlands, the tundra vole is a relict from the ice age and has developed into the subspecies Alexandromys oeconomus arenicola.

Contents

Description

The tundra vole has short ears and a short tail. Its fur is yellowish brown with paler sides and white underparts. It is typically about 18 cm (7.1 in) long with a 4 cm (1.6 in) tail and a weight of about 50 grams (1.8 oz).

Habitat

The tundra vole is found in damp tundra or moist meadows, usually near water.

Behaviour and diet

This species makes runways through the surface growth in warm weather and tunnels through the snow in winter. It feeds on grasses, sedges and seeds. It is active year-round. It also digs burrows where it stores seeds and roots, especially licorice root, for the winter.

Breeding

Female voles have three to six litters of three to nine young in a shallow burrow. The vole population in a given area can vary greatly from year to year.

Subspecies

Subspecies are as follows: [3]

Related Research Articles

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The Arvicolinae are a subfamily of rodents that includes the voles, lemmings, and muskrats. They are most closely related to the other subfamilies in the Cricetidae. Some authorities place the subfamily Arvicolinae in the family Muridae along with all other members of the superfamily Muroidea. Some refer to the subfamily as the Microtinae or rank the taxon as a full family, the Arvicolidae.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern red-backed vole</span> Species of rodent

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiga vole</span> Species of rodent

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long-tailed vole</span> Species of rodent

The long-tailed vole, in some areas known as the San Bernardino long-tailed vole, is a small vole found in western North America. They have short ears and a long tail. Their fur is gray brown with light gray underparts. They are around 18 cm (7.1 in) long with an 8 cm (3.1 in) tail and weigh about 50 g (1.8 oz).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woodland vole</span> Species of rodent

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Short-tailed field vole</span> Species of rodent

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reed vole</span> Species of rodent

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cabrera's vole</span> Species of rodent

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References

  1. 1 2 Linzey, A.V.; Shar, S.; Lkhagvasuren, D.; Juškaitis, R.; Sheftel, B.; Meinig, H.; Amori, G. & Henttonen, H. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Microtus oeconomus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T13451A115113894. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T13451A22347188.en . Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  2. "Alexandromys oeconomus". ASM Mammal Diversity Database. American Society of Mammalogists.
  3. Witte van den Bosch, R. and Bekker, D. (2009). Verdwijnt de oer-Hollandse lemming? Geschiedenis en toekomst van de noordse woelmuis. Zoogdier 20-4: p.p 3-7. (in Dutch)