Mediterranean small vole
| Mediterranean small vole | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Microtus duodecimcostatus | ||||||||||||
| de Sélys-Longchamps , 1839 |
The Mediterranean small vole ( Microtus duodecimcostatus ) is a species from the genus of field mice that was first scientifically described by Sélys-Longchamps in 1839 .
features
The species reaches a head-trunk length of 80 to 111 millimeters and a weight of 19 to 32 grams. The tail length is between 23 and 35 millimeters. The rear foot length is 15 to 19 millimeters, the ear length 7 to 10 millimeters and the condylobasal length 20.8 to 25.5 millimeters. The Mediterranean small vole is slightly larger and more powerful than Microtus subterraneus . Their fur is velvety and thick. It's lighter and more yellow on the top, while it's silver gray on the bottom. The tail is a solid gray. A case of a fully albinotic specimen from a natural population is known. The small ears are partially covered by the hair. The molar M³ has three folds on the inside. On the outside the three folds are of different sizes, the two outer ones are longer than the inner one.
The number of chromosomes is 2n = 62. NF = 76-82.
Occurrence
The Mediterranean small vole occurs in open habitats, the soil of which is deep and soft enough for burial activity. It also colonizes heavily anthropogenic habitats such as garrigue , gardens and fields. Compared to other voles, the species can withstand high temperatures and drought better. It occurs from sea level and can be found in the Sierra Nevada up to an altitude of 2250 meters. Its distribution area includes the south of France and almost the entire Iberian Peninsula , it is only missing in the north-west.
Way of life
The Mediterranean small vole is very fond of rooting and is the vole species in its range that lives most extensively underground. The species is mainly active at night and at dawn , but sometimes also during the day. Their diet consists of grasses and other herbaceous plants, sometimes bark and fruits.
Existence and endangerment
The Alpine vole is common and in parts of its range is considered a pest in agriculture, especially in fruit-growing areas. The stock is considered stable. The species is therefore classified by the IUCN as “least concern”.
supporting documents
- Stéphane Aulagnier, Patrick Haffner, Anthony J. Mitchell-Jones, François Moutou, Jan Zima: The mammals of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The destination guide. Haupt, Bern et al. 2009, ISBN 978-3-258-07506-8 .
- Microtus duodecimcostatus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2011. Posted by: Aulagnier, S. & Palomo, LJ, 2008. Accessed August 15, 2011th
