Vol. 69 No: 6

Title:
Pine Vole (Microtus Pinetorum) Movement Toward Areas in Apple Orchards with Reduced Populations

Authors:
D.G. LAPASHA and R.A. POWELL

pp: 1077-1082

Abstract:
Using radiotelemetry, the movements and activity of 24 adult pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) were examined before and during removal of neighbouring voles in three North Carolina orchards. Each site had control and treatment plots that were monitored concurrently for 28 d, the first 7 d defining normal behaviour patterns. For the following 21 d, animals were removed from half of each treatment plot while baited, inoperable traps were tended in half of each control plot. Relative to controls, treatment animals moved significantly toward removal areas and significantly increased activity. Although both sexes responded to removal of neighbours, males tended to move further than females. Pine voles actively invade areas in which populations have been reduced, therefore control measures in orchards cannot be limited to one-time removal of problem animals.

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