Voles and climate in Norway: Is the abundance of herbivorous species inversely related to summer temperature?

摘要: Abstract For several mammalian species, both population levels and distribution ranges are predicted to change due changing habitat conditions caused by climate change. A general decrease in the amplitude of small rodent cycles northern Europe since late 1980s has commonly been attributed a lack permanent snow cover during winter, or unfavourable conditions. An alternative explanation is that increasing summer temperatures an extended growing season for herbivorous rodents, reducing forage quality. If so, negative effect should be stronger strictly Microtus voles than herbivorous-granivorous Myodes voles. In previous study rodents were snap trapped 22 regions Norway 1971–1979. We found trapping index voles, but not this was negatively related temperatures. Both from 1994 2015, conducted 13 areas Norway, proportion among captured Summer temperature better predictor depth, variables contributed significantly multiple regression models. conclude likely more important factor dynamics Europe.