Winter growth depression of common vole (Microtus arvalis)

• Main Authors: Balčiauskienė, Laima, Balčiauskas, Linas, Čepukienė, Aušra
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Lithuanian; English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Microtus arvalis; Winter period; Body mass decrease; Cranial growth depression; Common vole
• Online Access: http://vu.lvb.lt/VU:ELABAPDB4934833&prefLang=en_US

In 573 individuals of common voles (Microtus arvalis) trapped in northeastern Lithuania from October to April in 2004–2009, growth depression for the juveniles of this species was observed in January–February, while for subadults in January–March. Growth depression was strongest in subadult voles. In harsh winters, subadults were smaller than in mild winters, whereas juveniles were larger. Growth depression was more pronounced and of longer duration in skull characters than in body mass. Cranial growth in M. arvalis was more inhibited than in Myodes glareolus. In winter and early spring, the juveniles of M. arvalis had the average body mass of 14.5 ± 0.07 g and the average body length of 81.6 ± 0.24 mm, whereas subadults 18.1 ± 0.27 g and 89.2 ± 0.70 mm, respectively. Body mass in juveniles from October to April grew by 1.0 g, whereas in subadults decreased by 2.0 g. Our main finding is that despite global climate warming tendencies growth depression in small mammals still occurs during the cold period.