Clethrionomys Research Articles

Restoration of Coniferous Forest and Myodes gapperi: Responses to Thinning, Fertilization, and Succession over a 45-Year Period

Research Highlights: We report a 45-year time-line of forest restoration after harvesting and responses of red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi), an indicator species of closed-canopy forests. Background and Objectives: We have a unique long-term window to test four hypotheses that evaluated the relationship of M. gapperi with old forest structural attributes. Materials and Methods: The study began in old-growth lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) through clearcutting, regeneration, stand thinning, fertilization, and growth to mature forest (1979 to 2024) in southern BC, Canada. Populations of red-backed voles were monitored in all phases of forest restoration. Results: Clearcutting resulted in the extirpation of M. gapperi followed by small (≤2 voles/ha) populations in young (13–23 years) thinned and fertilized stands. At age 33, the mean annual abundance of M. gapperi (6.5 to 8.7/ha) was highest in the heavily thinned and old-growth stands. At age 43, mean numbers of M. gapperi ranged from 2.7 to 4.2/ha in these same stands. Heavily thinned stands had large trees, multi-layered canopies of conifers, and understory patchiness. Conclusions: This is the first report of long-term responses of M. gapperi to the restoration of mature forest. M. gapperi is a suitable species for monitoring the recovery of some old forest structural features.

Plotting the major proteins of borealpox virus

In an era marked by rapid environmental transformations, the viability of numerous species hinges crucially on their ability to navigate and adjust to shifting climatic conditions through migration. Yet, amidst this natural quest for survival, a consequential and often overlooked consequence emerges: the inadvertent transportation of a diverse array of parasites and pathogens across landscapes. This phenomenon poses a substantial and tangible threat to global health, particularly in the wake of recent outbreaks and pandemics fueled by zoonotic viruses, which leap from animals to humans. These viruses, originating in animals but capable of infecting humans, serve as poignant reminders of the intricate relationship between human and wildlife health, and the potential dangers of disregarding this delicate balance. In 2015, the borealpox virus (BRPV) [formerly Alaskapox virus (AKPV)], classified as an Orthopoxvirus, was first identified in a woman living near Fairbanks, Alaska. The BRPV causes borealpox disease. The first recorded fatality attributed to BRPV infection occurred in January 2024. Current evidence suggests that BRPV primarily targets small mammals, particularly red-backed voles and shrews, as evidenced by sampling efforts in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. However, it is likely that the virus is more widespread among Alaska’s small mammal populations, potentially leading to undiagnosed human infections. Additionally, domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, may also contribute to the transmission of the virus. To date, no instances of human-to-human transmission have been documented, but the lack of diagnostics and vaccines for BRPV remains a concerning gap. This paper aims to address this issue by reporting the structure and epitopes of the major proteins of BRPV. This data could serve as a foundation for the development of novel diagnostics and vaccines to combat BRPV, thereby mitigating its impact on both human and animal populations.

Multiyear genotype characterization of eastern spruce budworm outbreaking populations from Quebec and adjacent regions.

Population outbreaks are characterized by irruptive changes in population density and connectivity resulting in rapid demographic and spatial expansion, often at the landscape scale. Outbreaks are common across multiple taxa, many of which inhabit northern ecosystems. Outbreaks of Lepidopteran defoliators in forest ecosystems are a particularly compelling example of this phenomenon, given the massive spatial scales over which these outbreaks can occur, their frequency, and socioeconomic impacts. The eastern spruce budworm (SBW) is a native outbreaking Lepidopteran defoliator of North American boreal forests. Cyclic outbreaks of the SBW influence ecosystem functioning and resilience, as well as forest productivity, timber supply, and other socioeconomic values related to management and mitigation. Despite these significant impacts, the ecological and biological drivers and outcomes of these outbreaks remain poorly understood. Here, we present an extensive genotypic dataset for 1998 geo-referenced SBW individuals collected between the years of 2012 and 2017, during the rising and peak phases of an outbreak that began approximately in 2006. Our sampling covers an unprecedented scope in the extent and number of individuals collected between 2012 and 2017 from Quebec, and in 2015 from New Brunswick (Canada) and from Maine (USA), from multiple SBW life stages, including early and late instar larvae (L2-L6), pupae, and adult moths. Genomic DNA extraction was followed by library preparation and high-throughput sequencing using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS). Samples were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and aligned to the bw6 version of the SBW genome. This dataset represents one of the most extensive genotypic datasets to date for a boreal insect and is unique as it includes multiple years during a developing (ongoing, at time of sampling) outbreak. Sampling effort covered areas close to the epicenter of the outbreak (Quebec/Canada) and adjacent areas affected by the outbreak progress. This dataset also provides genome-wide characterization of SBW populations from Quebec, serving as a standard for the identification of future samples regarding their locality of origin, structure and connectivity. These data represent a valuable novel resource for further study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of SBW, and how spatial genetic diversity and gene flow are affected by population outbreaks. These data provide a temporal snapshot of SBW genetic diversity, which can serve as baseline for future studies regarding outbreaks, and the impact of human-induced environmental changes on complex population dynamics. This genotype dataset comprises a unique representation of genomic-level composition and variation observed in subsequent generations of an irruptive, cyclic outbreaking species and is of utmost importance for exploring and describing how accelerated demographic variation impacts the development of spatial genetic structure across heterogeneous landscapes. We believe this dataset is essential to management and conservation biology initiatives not only for SBW and boreal forests but also for providing a starting point for broader evolutionary and ecological studies of complex population dynamics. Furthermore, the knowledge, data collection, and curation framework we present here can be used to inform similar spatial temporal baseline studies of other outbreaking (e.g., mountain pine beetle, red-backed voles) and invasive species (e.g., spongy moth and emerald ash borer). The data are released under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Effect of chemical pollution on the fertility of male rodents from natural populations: сomparing the response of sperm morphology, motility, and concentration

The results of studies of epididymal spermatozoa of three species of rodents (bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, northern red-backed vole Cl. rutilus, and herb field mouse Sylvaemus uralensis) living under long-term exposure to atmospheric emissions from two large copper smelters in the Middle Urals are summarized (Middle Ural and Kirovgrad copper smelters). The impact of pollution (including at the individual level on the accumulation of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the liver) was assessed for indicators characterizing the quality of sperm from different aspects: morphology (proportion of cells with head and tail defects), motility (proportion of motile cells, velocity, and straightness of movement) and concentration. Sperm motility responds to pollution: in impact zones, the proportion of motile cells and their velocity were lower than in background zones. The occurrence of abnormal cells and sperm concentration were not statistically significantly different between impact and background zones. The reaction of sperm to chemical pollution is species-specific: voles react more strongly than the herb field mouse. The consistency of changes in sperm parameters (in the direction of their deterioration) in response to increased pollution was found only in the bank vole. Effect sizes for sperm parameters are much smaller compared to those for liver Cd accumulation and animal abundance. In general, the reaction of sperm to pollution turned out to be weak, none of the studied indicators can be a reliable marker of industrial pollution.

Seasonal dynamics of small mammal populations: resource availability and cold exposure interact to govern abundance

Organisms in seasonal environments respond to both resources in the summer and environmental conditions in winter. Small mammals, in particular, respond quickly to changes in their environment, with many species reliant on the thermal refuge of the subnivium in the winter. However, there has been little research exploring how resources and cold exposure drive the seasonal dynamics of small mammal populations. We studied the populations of three subnivium-specialist small mammal species in seasonally snow-covered forests in Wisconsin, USA across 5 years during summer and winter. In summer, mast availability and canopy cover governed white-footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque, 1818) populations, coarse woody debris drove short-tailed shrew ( Blarina brevicauda Say, 1823) populations, and rainfall influenced red-backed vole ( Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)) abundance. Dietary analysis via stable isotopes revealed that shrews primarily consumed arthropods, and mice predominately consumed hard mast despite interannual changes in availability. In winter, white-footed mice and red-backed vole abundances were negatively related to cold exposure. Short-tailed shrew winter population was positively related to their abundances the previous summer. These small mammals responded to species-specific drivers during the growing and snow seasons. Consequently, shorter snow seasons from climate change appear to be restructuring communities by creating a less hospitable environment for winter-adapted species, likely contributing to their regional declines.

A new subspecies of the Northern red-backed vole (<i>Clethrionomys rutilus matykilensis</i> subsp. n.) from Matykil Island, northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk

Matykil Island is the largest in the Yamskiye Islands archipelago, located in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk. Northern red-backed voles inhabiting Matykil island differ sharply from other populations of the species in a number of morphological, genetic and ecological traits. Based on a comparative analysis of external and craniometric characters, Northern red-backed voles from the Matykil island are identified as a separate subspecies: Clethrionomys rutilus matykilensis subsp. n.

Comparative analysis of energy homeostasis regulation at different altitudes in Hengduan Mountain of red-backed vole, Eothenomys miletus, during high-fat diet acclimation: examining gut microbial and physiological interactions.

The study aimed to explore the similarities and differences in gut microorganisms and their functions in regulating body mass in Eothenomys miletus across different altitudes in the Hengduan Mountains when exposed to a high-fat diet. Eothenomys miletus specimens were gathered from Dali (DL) and Xianggelila (XGLL) in Yunnan Province, China, and categorized into control, high-fat (1 week of high-fat diet), and re-feeding groups (1 week of high-fat diet followed by 2 weeks of standard food). The analysis utilized 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the diversity and structure of intestinal microbial communities in E. miletus. The investigation focused on the impact of high-fat diet consumption and different altitudes on gut microbial diversity, structure, and physiological markers. Results revealed that a high-fat diet influenced the beta diversity of gut microorganisms in E. miletus, leading to variations in microbial community structure between the two regions with different altitudes. High-fat food significantly affected body mass, white adipose tissue mass, triglycerides, and leptin levels, but not food intake. Specific intestinal microorganisms were observed in the high-fat groups, aiding in food digestion and being enriched in particular flora. In particular, microbial genera like Lactobacillus and Hylemonella were enriched in the high-fat group of DL. The enriched microbiota in the control group was associated with plant polysaccharide and cellulose decomposition. Following a high-fat diet, gut microbiota adapted to support lipid metabolism and energy supply, while upon re-feeding, the focus shifted back to cellulose digestion. These findings suggested that alterations in gut microbial composition, alongside physiological markers, play a vital role in adaptation of E. miletus to the diverse habitats of the Hengduan Mountains at varying altitudes.

Pilfering personalities: Effects of small mammal personality on cache pilferage.

Small mammals such as mice and voles play a fundamental role in the ecosystem service of seed dispersal by caching seeds in small hoards that germinate under beneficial conditions. Pilferage is a critical step in this process in which animals steal seeds from other individuals' caches. Pilferers often recache stolen seeds, which are often pilfered by new individuals, who may recache again, and so on, potentially leading to compounded increased dispersal distance. However, little research has investigated intraspecific differences in pilfering frequency, despite its importance in better understanding the role of behavioural diversity in the valuable ecosystem service of seed dispersal. We conducted a field experiment in Maine (USA) investigating how intraspecific variation, including personality, influences pilferage effectiveness. Within the context of a long-term capture-mark-recapture study, we measured the unique personality of 3311 individual small mammals of 10 species over a 7-year period. For this experiment, we created artificial caches using eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) seeds monitored with trail cameras and buried antennas for individual identification. Of the 436 caches created, 83.5% were pilfered by 10 species, including deer mice ((Peromyscus maniculatus) and southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi). We show how individuals differ in their ability to pilfer seeds and that these differences are driven by personality, body condition and sex. More exploratory deer mice and those with lower body condition were more likely to locate a cache, and female southern red-backed voles were more likely than males to locate caches. Also, caches were more likely to be pilfered in areas of higher small mammal abundance. Because the risk of pilferage drives decisions concerning where an animal chooses to store seeds, pilferage pressure is thought to drive the evolution of food-hoarding behaviour. Our study shows that pilferage ability varies between individuals, meaning that some individuals have a disproportionately strong influence on others' caching decisions and disproportionately contribute to compounded longer-distance seed dispersal facilitated by pilferage. Our results add to a growing body of knowledge showing that the unique personalities of individual small mammals play a critical role in forest regeneration by impacting seed dispersal.

Differential burdens of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) on sympatric rodent hosts.

In the United States, there has been a steady increase in diagnosed cases of tick-borne diseases in people, most notably Lyme disease. The pathogen that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Several small mammals are considered key reservoirs of this pathogen and are frequently-used hosts by blacklegged ticks. However, limited studies have evaluated between-species host use by ticks. This study compared I. scapularis burdens and tick-associated pathogen presence in wild-caught Clethrionomys gapperi (southern red-backed voles) and Peromyscus spp. (white-footed mice) in forested areas where the habitat of both species overlapped. Rodent trapping data collected over two summers showed a significant difference in the average tick burden between species. Adult Peromyscus spp. had an overall mean of 4.03 ticks per capture, while adult C. gapperi had a mean of 0.47 ticks per capture. There was a significant association between B. burgdorferi infection and host species with more Peromyscus spp. positive samples than C. gapperi (65.8% and 10.2%, respectively). This work confirms significant differences in tick-host use and pathogen presence between sympatric rodent species. It is critical to understand tick-host interactions and tick distributions to develop effective and efficient tick control methods.

Дальние перемещения мелких млекопитающих в осенне-зимний период

First time in the East Urals radioactive trace zone (EURT) (Chelyabinsk region, Southern Urals) small mammals from natural population with rhodamine B (RB) label, received in last year were revealed. The aim of this study was to estimate long-distance movements (LDM) of small mammals during the autumn–winter season by method of group marking with bait containing RB. One-time ingestion of bait with RB ensures systemic marking, which fixed in keratin-containing structures (hairs, claws, vibrissae). Retention time of RB-label for wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis Pallas, 1811) was 338 days, for common shrew (Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758) – 312 days, for red-backed vole (Myodes rutilus Pallas, 1779) – 251 days. It has allowed for the first time to estimate LDM of wintering individuals during autumn–winter season from EURT zone to adjacent territories and vice versa. It was found that S. uralensis are able to settle within 10800 m, M. rutilus – 9500 m, S. araneus – 9300 m. These data are the maximum recorded distance for these species. There is a predominance of females both among wintering settled animals and distant migrants. Probably LDM of females is evolutionary more favorable to population as they serve as the potential reserve of a genetic variety. LDM provides spatial and functional connectivity of mouse-sized mammal’s populations and possibility of genetic information exchange between population groupings on both the impact and background territories. The technique of group marking with bait containing RB has shown the efficiency at research of spatial structure of small mammals during the autumn-winter period. It is advisable to include it in monitoring system in areas of local technogenic pollution as well as to use it to calibrate samples of animals in the study of remote effects of radiating and other toxic effects.

Long-term monitoring in the boreal forest reveals high spatio-temporal variability among primary ecosystem constituents

The boreal forest, the world’s largest terrestrial biome, is undergoing dramatic changes owing to anthropogenic stressors, including those of climate change. To track terrestrial ecosystem changes through space and time, robust monitoring programs are needed that survey a variety of ecosystem constituents. We monitored white spruce (Picea glauca) cone crops, berry (Empetrum nigrum, Shepherdia canadensis) production, above-ground mushroom abundance, and the abundance of small mammals (Clethrionomys rutilus,Peromyscus maniculatus), North American red squirrels (Tamiascirus hudsonicus), snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), and carnivores (Lynx canadensis,Canis latrans,Vulpes vulpes,Martes americana,Mustela erminea) across 5 sites in the Yukon, Canada. Monitoring began in 1973 at Lhù’ààn Mân’ (Kluane Lake) and additional protocols were added until a complete sequence was fixed in 2005 at all 5 sites and continued until 2022. White spruce cone counts show mast years at 3–7-year intervals. Ground berries and soapberry counts were highly variable among sites and counts did not correlate among sites or between years for different species. Red-backed voles showed clear 3–4-year cycles at Kluane and probably at the Mayo and Watson Lake sites, but showed only annual cycles in Whitehorse and Faro. Snowshoe hares fluctuated in 9–10-year cycles in a travelling wave, peaking one year earlier at Watson Lake but in synchrony at all other sites, with no clear sign of peak density changing or cyclic attenuation over the last 50 years. Red squirrel numbers at Kluane exhibit marked inter-year variability, driven mainly by episodic white spruce cone crops and predation from Canada lynx and coyotes as hare densities undergo cyclic decline. Snow track counts to index mammalian predators have been conducted on our Kluane and Mayo sites, indicating that lynx numbers rise and fall with a 1–2-year lag at these two sites, tracking the hare cycle. Coyotes and lynx at Kluane peak together following the hare cycle, but coyote counts are also depressed during deep snow years. To summarize, we noted considerable inter-site variability in the population dynamics of many boreal forest ecosystem constituents, but the keystone species (snowshoe hare, Canada lynx) exhibit remarkably similar population trends across the region. We continue to monitor wildlife abundance, cone crops, berry production, and mushroom biomass to determine changes associated with increasing temperature and fluctuating rainfall. The Yukon boreal forest is changing as climate shifts, but the changes are slow, variable across sites, taxa specific, and of uncertain predictability.

Detection of Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses in Small Mammals in Western Yunnan Province, China.

The genetic diversity of coronaviruses (CoVs) is high, and their infection in animals has not yet been fully revealed. By RT-PCR detection of the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of CoVs, we screened a total of 502 small mammals in the Dali and Nujiang prefectures of Western Yunnan Province, China. The number of overall CoV positives was 20, including β-CoV (n = 13) and α-CoV (n = 7), with a 3.98% prevalence in rectal tissue samples. The identity of the partial RdRp genes obtained for 13 strains of β-CoV was 83.42-99.23% at the nucleotide level, and it is worth noting that the two strains from Kachin red-backed voles showed high identity to BOV-36/IND/2015 from Indian bovines and DcCoV-HKU23 from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Morocco; the nucleotide identity was between 97.86 and 98.33%. Similarly, the identity of the seven strains of α-CoV among the partial RdRp sequences was 94.00-99.18% at nucleotide levels. The viral load in different tissues was measured by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The average CoV viral load in small mammalian rectal tissue was 1.35 × 106 copies/g; differently, the mean CoV viral load in liver, heart, lung, spleen, and kidney tissue was from 0.97 × 103 to 3.95 × 103 copies/g, which revealed that CoV has extensive tropism in rectal tissue in small mammals (p < 0.0001). These results revealed the genetic diversity, epidemiology, and infective tropism of α-CoV and β-CoV in small mammals from Dali and Nujiang, which deepens the comprehension of the retention and infection of coronavirus in natural hosts.

The Colonization History of Iturup Island by the Red-Backed Vole &lt;i&gt;Craseomys rufocanus&lt;/i&gt; according to the Analysis of the Cytochrome &lt;i&gt;b&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;cytb&lt;/i&gt;) Fragment

The hypotheses on colonization history of red-backed vole of Iturup Island comparative analysis of distribution and number of haplotypes of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (662 bp) in vole sampled at various sites along the Iturup Island perimeter and Hokkaido, Kunashir and Sakhalin Islands and adjacent regions of the mainlandhas been carried out. All studied samples from the Iturup Island (68) belonged to the only one haplotype most close to the haplotypes of voles from the Sakhalin Island. The only sample from the Kunashir Island, nearest to the Iturup Island possessed the same haplotype, three additional samples from this island have haplotypes related to haplotypes of voles from the Sakhalin Island and fall within the so called “Sakhalin” clade, while the majority of haplotypes of voles from the Kunashir Island appeared to be close to haplotypes of voles from the Hokkaido Island and make up with them one independent clade, genetically very different from clade of Sakhalin and Iturup samples. The obtained data on the genetic variability of voles from the Iturup Island provides convincing evidence in favour of the recent introduction of the red-backed vole C. rufocanus to the Iturup Island, most likely with sea transport from Sakhalin.

Southern Red-backed Vole (Myodes gapperi) habitat associations in northern New England forests

Abstract Understanding habitat selection is fundamental to addressing the response of a species to disturbance. Because resources are unevenly distributed across the landscape, habitat selection occurs at multiple scales. We used capture–mark–recapture and radiotelemetry techniques to quantify the macrohabitat and microhabitat associations that define space use of the Southern Red-backed Vole (Myodes gapperi) in northeastern forests. Macrohabitat characteristics were evaluated at the scale of the forest stand by comparing conditions between visited and unvisited trap stations and suggest red-backed voles have an affinity for locations with higher basal area of Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and more coarse woody material. For microhabitat characteristics we modeled the influence of forest structure, ground cover, and geographic features on home range, specifically core area placement. We found that Southern Red-backed Vole core areas were associated with higher Red Maple (Acer rubrum) basal area, deeper leaf litter, greater density of hemlock stems, and closer proximity to water. The affinity of southern red-backed voles for eastern hemlock raises questions about population persistence and shifts in distribution as eastern hemlock stands are replaced by hardwood stands following infestation by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Co-Circulation of Coronaviruses among Rodents and Insectivores

Coronaviruses (family Coronaviridae, genera Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus) are the causative agents of respiratory, intestinal and neurological diseases in humans and animals. Natural reservoirs of coronaviruses include bats, rodents and insectivores, however, the circulation of coronaviruses among rodents and insectivores in the Russian Federation has been unexplored. The aim of the study was to investigate the diversity of coronaviruses among rodents and insectivores co-inhabiting natural biotopes. Materials and methods. Rodents (68 specimens) and shrews of the genus Sorex (23 specimens) were caught in a limited forest area not exceeding 1.5 sq. km, in the vicinity of Novosibirsk. All samples were screened using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing. Results and discussion. Four distinct coronaviruses have been detected in four species of small mammals. Rodent-borne coronaviruses were classed within subgenera Embecovirus, genus Betacoronavirus, and demonstrated host-associated phylogenetic clustering. The level of homology between the new RNA isolates from red-backed vole (Myodes rutilus), root vole (Microtus oeconomus) and field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) is 85.5–87.7 %. The nucleotide sequences of Siberian coronavirus isolates are closely related (&gt;93 % homology) to previously published sequences in each of the carrier groups found in Europe and China, which suggests their common evolutionary origin. The coronavirus identified in the common shrew (Sorex araneus) belongs to the genus Alphacoronavirus, but is significantly different (&gt;36 % difference) from earlier identified strains included in the genus. It has been shown that different coronaviruses co-circulate in a limited area among rodents and insectivores.

Woody debris structures on large clearcut openings: Oases for small mustelids and prey species?

Restoration structures such as post-harvest woody debris piles on large clearcut openings may provide habitat for many mammal species. Mustelids such as the American marten (Martes americana) and several weasel (Mustela spp.) species are important furbearers in temperate and boreal forests and are negatively affected by clearcutting. We ask if constructed piles of woody debris on large (e.g., 30–50 ha) openings will be used by these mustelids and their small mammal prey species? We tested the hypotheses (H) that (H1) the presence (index of activity patterns) of small mustelids, (H2) abundance, species richness, and species diversity of the forest-floor small mammal community, and (H3) reproduction of the major species: southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), would be greater on sites with woody debris piles than on sites with dispersed debris. A fourth hypothesis (H4) predicted that the above response variables would be similar across a linear configuration of debris piles on the large openings. Mustelid presence and populations of forest-floor small mammals were sampled on four replicated (n = 4) large (30–50 ha) clearcut sites from 2017 to 2022 in south-central British Columbia, Canada.Mean presence of mustelids was significantly higher (4.5 to 8.0 times) in piles than dispersed sites during the first four post-harvest years, thereby supporting H1. Mean index of mustelid activity per line was similar among pile index-lines across these clearcut openings. Mean abundance of C. gapperi was similar statistically between treatment sites but with numbers 3 to 10 times higher, on average, in the piles than dispersed sites and was likely biologically important. Mean abundance of M. longicaudus was significantly higher (1.2–4.4 times) in the piles than dispersed sites. Mean abundance of P. maniculatus and Sorex spp. were similar between treatment sites. Mean abundance of total small mammals, including the less common species, was significantly higher (1.4–1.9 times) in piles than dispersed sites. Similarly, mean species richness and diversity were both significantly higher in piles than dispersed sites. Mean number of total recruits was higher in piles than dispersed sites for M. longicaudus and P. maniculatus, but most measures of reproductive attributes were similar, thereby providing only partial support for H3. As per support for H4, response variables were similar across a linear array of debris piles on large openings. Our study is the first to measure responses of small mustelids and forest-floor small mammals to constructed piles of woody debris as a means of habitat restoration on relatively large (mean area 40.5 ha) openings created by conventional clearcutting. Piles of debris seem to act as oases for mustelids and their prey species in ecological restoration of cutover forest land.

First description of nymphal stages of Hoplopleura edentula (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) and a global checklist of the Hoplopleura associated with Clethrionomys

Abstract We present the first record of the characteristics of the three nymphal stages of Hoplopleura edentula, one of the common Eurasian species of the genus Hoplopleura. Lastly, a list of all species of Hoplopleura parasitizing the host genus Clethrionomys is provided. The descriptions of sucking louse species usually lack the features of the nymphal stages. In addition, it is impossible to determine whether the host is the main one or an accidental when there is a co-occurance of two or more lice species, unless we observe nymphs of the same species. As a result, data on the host cycle, the range of host specificity and other aspects of parasite-host system functioning, the possibility of transfer between hosts, and the possibility of transmission of pathogens, are incomplete. This study examines 114 specimens of the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, in which 38 Hoplopleura edentula were found.

A NEW SPECIES OF FLEA (SIPHONAPTERA: CTENOPHTHALMIDAE) PARASITIZING VOLES AT HIGH ELEVATIONS IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA.

Both sexes of Catallagia appalachiensis n. sp. are described from high elevation spruce-fir forests in Sevier County, Tennessee and adjoining Swain County, North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The type host of the new flea is the southern red-backed vole, Myodes gapperi (Vigors) (25 flea specimens), although small numbers of specimens were also collected from a sympatric northern short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda (Say) (2 fleas), a red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben) (1 flea), and a North American deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner) (1 flea). Infestation prevalences for these hosts are provided. The new species is compared morphologically with other known species of Catallagia, in particular with Catallagia borealis, the only other described congeneric flea in eastern North America. This is the first new species of flea to be described from the eastern United States since 1980.

Long-term monitoring of cycles in Clethrionomys rutilus in the Yukon boreal forest.

Baseline studies of small rodent populations in undisturbed ecosystems are rare. We report here 50 years of monitoring and experimentation in Yukon of a dominant rodent species in the North American boreal forest, the red-backed vole Clethrionomys rutilus. These voles breed in summer, weigh 20-25 g, and reach a maximum density of 20 to 25 per ha. Their populations have shown consistent 3-4-year cycles for the last 50 years with the only change being that peak densities averaged 8/ha until 2000 and 18/ha since that year. During the last 25 years, we have measured food resources, predator numbers, and winter weather, and for 1-year social interactions, to estimate their contribution to changes in the rate of summer increase and the rate of overwinter decline. All these potential limiting factors could contribute to changes in density, and we measured their relative contributions statistically with multiple regressions. The rate of winter decline in density was related to both food supply and winter severity. The rate of summer increase was related to summer berry crops and white spruce cone production. No measure of predator numbers was related to winter or summer changes in vole abundance. There was a large signal of climate change effects in these populations. There is no density dependence in summer population growth and only a weak one in winter population declines. None of our results provide a clear understanding of what generates 3-4-year cycles in these voles, and the major missing piece may be an understanding of social interactions at high density.

Динамика численности и демография красной (Clethrionomys rutilus) и красно-серой (Craseomys rufocanus) полевок в лиственничном редколесье Северного Приохотья

The article presents the results of 13-year (2010-2022) studies of the dynamics of the red-backed and grey red-backed vole number in the sparse larch forest of the Northern Priokhotye. The author describes сyclicism in population fluctuations and variability of demographic indicators of populations. The relationship of population density with external and intrapopulation factors is analyzed. The results of the study have been compared with similar data from other parts of the area.