Rodents in the European Alps: Population Ecology and Potential Impacts on Ecosystems

摘要: Rodents have been extensively studied in most ecosystems of the world, and particularly so northern regions (e.g. Hansson Henttonen 1988; Stenseth Ims 1993a; Reid et al. 1997). In European Alps, however, relatively little is known about population ecology alpine rodent species, their role shaping ecosystems, interaction with vegetation growth diversity. We review here some recent studies made on three species rodents living above treeline Alps: marmot(Marmota marmotaL.), snow vole(Chionomys nivalisMartins), common vole(Microtus arvalisPallas). particular, we discuss: (1) whether or not life history traits differ from those found closely related occurring other alpine, temperate environments; (2) dynamics demography these potential consequences ecosystem functioning; (3) changes management practices climate for species.