The common vole, Microtus arvalis, is a small rodent widely distributed across various landscapes. This adaptable mammal plays a distinctive role in many ecosystems. It is often encountered in agricultural areas and open fields, where its presence can be quite noticeable.
Characteristics and Habitat
The common vole is a small, stocky rodent, typically measuring between 9 and 13 centimeters in body length, with a relatively short tail adding another 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters. Its build is compact, featuring short legs, small eyes, and small ears that are partially hidden within its fur. The fur itself is soft and dense, generally displaying a brownish-grey color on the back that transitions to a lighter grey or whitish shade on its belly.
These voles show a strong preference for environments offering dense ground cover, such as grasslands, meadows, and pastures. They are also frequently found in agricultural fields, particularly those cultivating dense vegetation like alfalfa and clover. Orchards and open woodlands can also serve as suitable habitats for these adaptable creatures. Their wide distribution spans across much of Europe and extends into parts of Asia.
Within their chosen habitats, common voles construct intricate networks of shallow tunnels and runways. These pathways are typically found just beneath the surface or through thick vegetation. This system of burrows provides both shelter from predators and efficient access to various food sources. The dense cover allows them to move relatively unseen while foraging.
Behavior and Ecological Role
The common vole maintains a strictly herbivorous diet, primarily consuming grasses and other herbaceous plants. Their diet also includes roots, bulbs, and occasionally seeds or bark, depending on availability. Their foraging activities are concentrated within their established tunnel systems.
Common voles are known for their prolific breeding capabilities, a factor that significantly contributes to their population dynamics. The gestation period is relatively short, lasting about three weeks, after which litters typically consist of 3 to 8 pups. Females can produce multiple litters annually, often between 5 to 10, particularly under favorable conditions.
While generally considered solitary, common voles may form loose colonies when food resources are abundant. This behavior allows for localized population density increases in areas with rich vegetation. Their presence is a significant factor in many food webs, as they serve as a primary consumer of plant matter.
As primary consumers, common voles represent a crucial prey item for a diverse array of predators. Birds of prey, including owls, kestrels, and buzzards, regularly hunt them, along with terrestrial predators such as foxes, stoats, and weasels. Even domestic cats can prey on these small rodents. Beyond their natural ecological role, common voles are recognized as agricultural pests due to their consumption of crops like cereals and root vegetables. Large population outbreaks can lead to significant damage to root systems, particularly in cultivated fields.