Root voles

Nadzhafova, R.S., N.S. Bulatova, A.I. Kozlovskii, and I.N. Ryabov. 1994. Identification of a structural chromosomal rearrangement in the karyotype of a root vole from Chernobyl. Russian Jour Genet. 30 318-322... 

Borowski, Z. (1998) Influence of weasel (Mustela nivalis Linneaus, 1776) odour on spatial behaviour of root voles (Microtus oeconomus Pallas, 1776). Can. J. Zool. 76, 1799-1804. 

In root voles (Microtus oeconomus) hepatic phase I detoxication by monooxygenases, specifically ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase, can be induced by large doses of birch bark powder in the diet. Conjugation (phase II) is not affected (Harju,1996). 

Harju, A. (1996). Effect of birch (Betula pendula) bark and food protein level on root voles (Microtus oeconomus) II. Detoxification capacity. Journal of Chemical Ecology 22, 719-728. 

Juntheikki, M.R., JulkunenTiitto, R., and Hagerman, A.E., Salivary tannin-binding proteins in root vole (Microtus oeconomus Pallas), Biochem. Syst. Ecol., 24, 25, 1996. 

In 1991, five years after the accident, a female root vole (Microtus oeconomus) with an abnormal karyotype (reciprocal translocation) was found within the 30-km radius of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. These chromosomal aberrations were probably inherited and did not affect the viability of vole populations. Population density of Chernobyl rodents in 1988-89 was about twice that predicted from previous cycles, and was attributed, in part, to increasing radioresistance and abundance of their food supplies. In 1994-95, the diversity and abundance of the small mammal population (12 species of rodents) at the most radioactive sites at Chernobyl were the same as reference sites. Rodents from the most radioactive areas did not show gross morphological features other than enlargement of the spleen. There were no gross chromosomal... 

Prairie vole, Micropterus ochrogaster, 505 Root vole, Microtus oeconomus, 703... 

Holarctic phylogeography of the root vole Microtus oeconomu implications for late Quaternary biogeography of high latitudes. Molecular Ecology 12, 957-968. 

Csongrad voles with rooted teeth not older than Lower Biharian from 146.45-147.65 m, 181.30-182.63 m and 202.53-203.30 m Mimomys savini from layers 342.95-343.32 m and 367.69-370.80 m transitional form between Desmana thermalis and nehringi from 254.30-255.56 m. 

Fig. 13. Characteristic index fossil of the older phases of the Middle Pleistocene, the vole Mimomys savini Hinton, (a) and (b) Occlusal surface of the first molar of a young and an adult specimen (c) and (d) same from lateral view occlusal surface of (e) M2 (f) M2 and (g) M] (upper first molar). Characteristic from lateral view is the weak development of roots. Locality rock shelter of Tarkd.

The changes in the rodent fauna are characterized by the gradual retreat of mice and the powerful influx of voles, mainly with rooted dentition Dolomys, Mimomys). The regional distribution of some of the species (e.g. Mimomys stehlini distributed from southern Spain through temperate Eurasia as far east as Siberia) renders them excellent stratum indicators. 

LiEE CYCLE. The water vole lives underground, is exclusively herbivorous and feeds mainly on fresh roots (unlike the field mouse, which feeds mainly on the less succulent parts, especially the roots of the M9 apple rootstock and the elder). It makes a complex system of tunnels in the ground, reaching a length of up to 80 m and usually going down to a depth of 50 cm. 

The succulent roots, tuhers and hulhs preferred hy the vole are usually stored in large quantities in storage chambers. In a dry, well-lined nest the female gives hirth to 2-6 young, 3-4 times a year from March to October. Since the vole is sexually mature after only 2 months, there can easily be a population explosion. Dry weather, in particular, encourages vole reproduction, whereas in cold, wet weather the nests get very wet and many young voles perish. 

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