Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) Population Monitoring at Fort Custer Training Center

摘要: In 2020–2021, we monitored Michigan’s only known extant population of the state endangered prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) at Fort Custer Training Center (FCTC). This rare vole was last documented at FCTC in 2014 and most recently monitored in 2017 (Legge 2017). We followed the survey design of previous vole monitoring efforts to enable quantitative comparison among years (Legge 1995; Cooper 2000; Legge 2007; Legge 2017). We completed 921 trap nights, with 303 trap nights in 2020 and 618 trap nights in 2021. In 2020 we captured one meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and in 2021 we recorded 25 capture events at 14 unique traps, including 23 captures of Microtus spp. Of these, two were determined to be prairie voles, both of which were captured during the second trapping session in August. We also tested a novel method of vole monitoring using camera traps. In 2020 we recorded 18 detections of small mammals, one of which was a vole. In 2021, with improved methods, we recorded 62 detections of small mammals, of these, 97% were of voles and 42% of voles had a discernable hair-clip from live capture. Confirming the continued presence of the prairie vole at FCTC stresses the need for habitat management for this rare mammal. We suggest that FCTC land managers implement shrub removal and prescribed fire in the South Unit of the prairie vole site. In the North Unit, which serves as a Medevac site for the military installation, we recommend a decrease in the frequency and extent of mowing, while continuing to maintain the Medevac site. We also suggest regular population monitoring and adding genetic …