Small-scale altitudinal effects on reproduction in bank voles

摘要: Abstract Elevation gradients and corresponding changes in environment have the potential to affect seasonal reproduction mortality hence age structure of animal populations. This has been frequently shown mammals birds on larger geographic scales, but evidence for small-scale gradient effects is scanty. We studied such small scale altitudinal proportions juveniles a population bank voles ( Myodes glareolus ) forested habitat along an elevation 355 m. was done by regular live trapping different altitudes over two-year period. also measured differences ambient temperatures vegetational parameters order shed light underlying mechanisms purported structure. As could be expected breeder, proportion showed initial increase spring, optimum summer subsequent regression early autumn, reflecting pattern reproduction. In addition, there occurrence juveniles, which decreased higher altitudes, assumingly driven onset and/or intensity annual breeding activity. juvenile partly explained temperatures. Furthermore, good support that abundance herbs lower played important role explaining juveniles. conclusion, our study strongly supports existence reproductive rodent, most probably due action altitude-related factors as microclimate parameters.