Abstract
-Robinson Forest is a 4450-ha eastern deciduous forest located in southeastern Kentucky on the Cumberland Plateau. Historically, the southern bog lemming (Synaptomys coopen) was the dominant microtine rodent in forest clearings. However, within the last 15 yr, the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) has expanded its range southward into southeastern Kentucky and has invaded clearings in Robinson Forest. Recent trapping efforts revealed that M. pennsylvanicus was the most abundant microtine in clearings, accounting for 48% of all small mammals caught. It invaded an isolated, grass-dominated clearing within 3 yr of tree removal. By contrast, S. cooperi was the most rarely caught small mammal in these clearings and tended to occupy herb-dominated clearings where fewer M. pennsylvanicus occurred. Synaptomys cooperi has become rarer since the arrival of M. pennsylvanicus, possibly due to competitive exclusion. Extensive deforestation, coupled with a 50-yr period of climatic cooling, may have led to the range expansion of M. pennsylvanicus.
Published Version
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