Common Vole

About the Common Vole

The common vole (Microtus arvalis) is a European rodent. The common vole is hardly restricted in means of distribution and habitat and inhabits large areas of Eurasia. However, apart from the Orkney vole, in Ireland and Britain it is replaced by the related field vole, M. agrestis. As M. arvalis followed human civilization, primary and secondary habitats can be distinguished.

The primary habitats are everything but dense forests, such as meadows, heath lands, and fallow land. The secondary habitats are mainly agricultural fields, where shallow-sloped areas are preferred. The natural food of the common vole is grass, but it also feeds on many agricultural crops (within secondary habitats) and here its reproduction is faster than in primary habitats.

After pregnancy of 16 to 24 days, females give birth to 3 to 8 juveniles, weighing between 1.0 and 3.1 g. Weaning is around the 20th day. Female juveniles can be impregnated from the 13th day after birth. Hence, first birth can be given from the 33rd day. During annual reproduction, which starts in March and ends in October, females usually have three reproductive... Wikipedia →