Population Dynamics of Oryzomys palustris and Microtus pennsylvanicus in Virginia Tidal Marshes

摘要: Abstract Oryzomys palustris (marsh rice rat) and Microtus pennsylvanicus (meadow vole) cohabit coastal marshes in the mid-Atlantic US. Both were live-trapped for 23 months at two tidal marsh sites Virginia to assess their demography near margins of distributions. In presence dense vegetation, population dynamics species seasonal positively correlated, with densities declining through winter. At more sparsely vegetated site, both lower, M. negatively correlated those O. palustris. Patterns reproduction differed between species. was reproductively most active summer least so winter, whereas female decreased reproductive activity during summer.