Tundra Vole

About the Tundra Vole

The tundra vole (Alexandromys oeconomus) or root vole is a medium-sized vole found in Northern and Central Europe, Asia, and northwestern North America, including Alaska and northwestern Canada. In the western part of the Netherlands, the tundra vole is a relict from the ice age and has developed into the subspecies A. o. arenicola.

The tundra vole has short ears and a short tail. Its fur is yellowish brown with paler sides and white underparts. It is typically about 18 cm (7.1 in) long with a 4 cm (1.6 in) tail and a weight of about 50 grams (1.8 oz).

The tundra vole displays sexual dimorphism, with males being noticeably larger than the females as adults. The tundra vole is found in damp tundra or moist meadows, usually near water. This species makes runways through the surface growth in warm weather and tunnels through the snow in winter. It feeds on grasses, sedges and seeds. It is active year-round. It also digs burrows where it stores seeds and roots, especially licorice root, for the winter. A dental mesowear analysis of the tundra vole compared to the common vole found that the former consumed more abrasive foods overall... Wikipedia →