Selection of microhabitat by the red-backed vole, Clethrionomys gapperi

Authors

Alice P. Wywialowski, Utah State University
Graham W. Smith, Utah State University

Abstract

Clethrionomys gapperi were captured in microhabitats with greater densities of overall cover than at noncapture or random sites within the study area. Variables describing cover density and distance from free water were selected in a discriminant function analysis to differentiate between vole capture and noncapture sites. Vole capture sites had greater amounts of cover within 4 dm above ground surface and were further from standing water than noncapture sites. The preferential use by C. gapperi of microhabitats with greater densities of cover is in agreement with laboratory and field assessments of habitat use reported in the literature.

Recommended Citation

Wywialowski, Alice P. and Smith, Graham W. (1988) "Selection of microhabitat by the red-backed vole, Clethrionomys gapperi," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 48: No. 2, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol48/iss2/9