Social organization in free-living prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster

摘要: Breeding units (occupants of a nest including at least one reproductive female) within two free-living populations the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster, were monitored by live-trapping during 28-h periods each week from October 1980 to March 1984. Data are presented for 281 breeding all seasons, high and low population densities nonbreeding periods. Fifty percent monogamous (single resident male female), 27% consisted single female with no adult 23% included more than and/or (“complex units”). Monogamous present in same proportions The number was significantly greater densities. During winter there relatively complex fewer rest year. pairs remained together an average 42 days. Seventy-eight these disbanded death or both members. There few overlaps home ranges adjacent units. Significantly nests visited nonresident males females, intervals between visits shorter those females. Males often males. Survival juveniles generally very low; 38% 34% young respectively, that trapped survived until 30 days age. Of females remaining natal densities, only 17.6% reproductively activated; 77.1% such became activated All dispersed reproductive.