Breeding characteristics of Townsend's vole (Microtus townsendii) during population fluctuations

Abstract

A 2-year livetrapping study on Townsend's vole (Microtus townsendii) on Reifel Island in the Fraser River delta in British Columbia, Canada, showed that there was an early stop to summer breeding in the peak phase summer compared with the increasing phase summer. Selective dispersal and death of early-maturing voles may account for this result. A delay occurred in the onset of breeding in the decline phase. Voles in peak density populations had the highest median weights at sexual maturity, and males matured at heavier weights than did females.