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Very recently, an interesting phenomenon was described in the common vole; vole parents with similar locomotor ability produced significantly larger litters. Positive assortative mating is a tendency to prefer individuals with similar phenotypes. We tested whether this also applies to smell similarity. Odour preference was tested in a T-maze, where each female was presented with two male odours, i.e. shavings together with feces and urine from home boxes. After female preference was established, the female was either paired with a preferred male (chosen) or paired with a non-preferred male (opposite choice). For analysis of the relationship to odour preference, genotyping of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II DRB was done using amplicon sequencing. In the set of 45 individuals from two populations, we recovered 38 nucleotide haplotypes (alleles). Similarity of alleles in parent pairs according to the indexes of Sørensen–Dice (S–D) and Jaccard were calculated. Values of these indexes in parental pairs with preferred males were significantly higher (more similar) than in not preferred. The number of offspring in parental pairs with preferred males were significantly higher than in not preferred males. However, there is no correlation between the mentioned indexes and the number of offspring. The relationship between the success of reproduction and alleles is not clear-cut, this may be influenced by the measure of similarity we used, or by something that we could not detect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic rodent populations exhibit pronounced changes in body mass associated with the population cycle phase, long-known as Chitty effect. Although Chitty effect is a common epiphenomenon in both America and Europe, there is still incomplete evidence about the generality of these patterns across the entire range of most species. Moreover, despite decades of research, the underlying factors driving Chitty effect remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may underlie observed patterns in vole size variation in the Iberian common vole Microtus arvalis asturianus. We weighed and measured 2816 adult voles that were captured during 6 trapping periods. Vole numbers and body mass showed strong period- and phase-related variation both in females and males, demonstrating marked Chitty effect in the studied population. Body mass of adult males correlated with body length, evidencing that heavier males are also structurally larger. Statistical models showed that probability of occurrence of large-sized vole (> 37 g) was significantly more likely in reproductive males, during increase and peak phases, and it was modulated by habitat, with crop fields and field margins between crops showing an increased likelihood. We suggest an effect of the habitat on vole body mass mediated by predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laying of two clutches in a single breeding season can increase the fitness of the parent birds and stabilise a population. Our study analysed the rate of second-breeding attempts in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) population in the Czech Republic. In the research, a total of 8,049 common kestrel nests were checked between 1979 and 2019. Of the 1,197 breeding events recorded during the study period in Moravia, 1,184 cases were first clutches and 13 cases (1.1%) were second breeding attempts. In Bohemia, a total of 6,852 breeding events were observed during the same study period, of which 6,811 were first clutches, 32 cases were late breeding attempts and 9 cases (0.1%) were second clutches. Second breeding events occurred only rarely, mainly during population outbreaks of prey species. During the mass outbreak of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) population in the Czech Republic in 2019, 5 (5.2%) of the 97 studied common kestrel pairs nested for the second time in Moravia; in Bohemia, second clutches were recorded in 3 (8.1%) of the 37 studied pairs. The second breeding attempts were recorded at an altitude of 272 ± 123 m (mean ± SD, range 179–560 m, n = 22) and commenced between 24 June and 25 July (29 June on average, n = 5). The range of the time gap between the first and the second clutch was 54 to 92 days (70.8 ± 16.3 days, n = 5). The second clutches consisted of an average of 4.1 ± 0.9 eggs (range 3–6, n = 12), with an average of 3.7 ± 0.9 fledglings in each successful breeding pair (range 2–5, n = 11) and 2.6 ± 1.9 fledglings for each initiated breeding attempt (range 0–5, n = 16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ectoparasites such as ticks, mites, fleas, and lice are ubiquitous in nature and parasitise a plethora of species ranging from small rodents to large mammals and even humans. Besides their parasitic effects, they also act as vectors for various infectious agents affecting the hosts. Parasite-borne infectious diseases have been and remain a great concern for animal and human health. To better understand the risk of parasite-borne disease, it is imperative to have a good understanding of ectoparasite ecology. This study aimed to test the effects of host species characteristics and the features of the environment inhabited by the hosts on the prevalence and abundance of ectoparasites in rodents from a mostly traditional agricultural mosaic landscape. Results show that the sex, age, and body weight of the host affect the prevalence and abundance of ectoparasites. Contrary to other studies, in our study area, land use intensity had a negative effect on all parasite community parameters. Despite the large number of studies on rodent ectoparasites—most of them vectors of epidemiologically important pathogens—infestation patterns remain poorly understood in various ecological contexts, such as the highly patchy agricultural landscapes. We aimed to relate the infestation of rodents to temporal, habitat, and host variables. We assessed the difference in parasite prevalence and mean abundance depending on host sex, age, and body weight, season, and land use intensity. Furthermore, we analysed the effect of host species abundance and the differential responses of parasites in main and minor host species. The field survey was conducted in a rural landscape in southern Transylvania (Romania) between June and September 2010–2011. We live-trapped small mammals, collected the ticks and fleas, and recorded the presence of lice and mites. Overall, we found the same infestation patterns largely reported in the literature: higher prevalence and mean abundance in heavier adult males, significant seasonality and differences among host species, and evidence of the dilution effect. The uniqueness of our study system was the negative effect of the land use intensity on the prevalence and mean abundance of parasites, explained by the highly patchy mosaic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 200 different animal species are susceptible to infection by tularemia, highly infectious disease caused by Francisella tularensis. Hares (Lepus sp.) and small rodents, such as common vole (Microtus arvalis), have been acknowledged as the most significant sources of human tularemia infection in most European countries. Our objective was to verify ability of these species in predicting incidence of human tularemia in a Central European country, the Czech Republic. Materials and Methods: We used 17 years of data on densities of European hare (Lepus europaeus) and common vole, and climate variability to test effects of these factors on temporal dynamics of tularemia incidence. The data were obtained from annual reports available from online e-repositories. Results: The analysis showed that 33% of the yearly variation in human tularemia incidence was explained solely by the abundance of European hare in the Czech Republic during 2007–2022. Density of common vole and North Atlantic Oscillation index, a measure of climate variability, did not significantly explain tularemia incidence. While hare population declined severely during 1993–2022, we did not detect any clear accompanied decrease in the prevalence of tularemia in humans and hares. Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, only hares proved capable in predicting yearly dynamics in human tularemia incidence in the Czech Republic. We call for continued monitoring of infection rates in hares and advocate the use of hunter estimates of hare abundance as a cheap and effective means of predicting the risk of tularemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between June and August 2014, 45 cases of leptospirosis were notified among workers on two strawberry farms in North‐West Germany. We describe the characteristics of the outbreak and the actions taken to prevent further cases. The activities of the local, federal and national public health and veterinary authorities included collection of case data, laboratory testing of human specimens and of small mammals trapped on the fields, investigation of weather data, as well as information provided to farmers, field workers, physicians and to the authorities in Poland and Romania. Of the 45 identified cases (median age 22, 60% male), 47% were hospitalized. Characteristic symptoms were fever ≥38.5°C, generalized muscle pain and an increase in renal or liver enzymes. Thirteen cases were laboratory confirmed by serological and/or molecular methods. ELISA tests for Leptospira IgG and IgM‐antibodies were positive in those samples taken >5 days after hospitalization. The probable causative agent was identified as Leptospira kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa. Leptospira‐specific DNA was found in kidneys of 67% of 64 trapped small mammals and was further identified as Leptospira kirschneri multi locus sequence type 110. During the estimated time period of human infections, the affected region faced warm weather with heavy rainfalls. The results of this investigation are in accordance with the theory of a chain of infection from mice to field workers during warm and humid weather. In 2015, a campaign was initiated to inform physicians, farmers and workers to enhance prevention measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment and early consultation of physicians in case of illness. Since then, no further outbreak occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertebrate photoperiodic neuroendocrine system uses the photoperiod as a proxy to time the annual rhythms in reproduction. The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) is a key protein in the mammalian seasonal reproduction pathway. Its abundance and function can tune sensitivity to the photoperiod. To investigate seasonal adaptation in mammals, the hinge region and the first part of the transmembrane domain of the Tshr gene were sequenced for 278 common vole (Microtus arvalis) specimens from 15 localities in Western Europe and 28 localities in Eastern Europe. Forty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; twenty-two intronic and twenty-seven exonic) were found, with a weak or lack of correlation with pairwise geographical distance, latitude, longitude, and altitude. By applying a temperature threshold to the local photoperiod–temperature ellipsoid, we obtained a predicted critical photoperiod (pCPP) as a proxy for the spring onset of local primary food production (grass). The obtained pCPP explains the distribution of the genetic variation in Tshr in Western Europe through highly significant correlations with five intronic and seven exonic SNPs. The relationship between pCPP and SNPs was lacking in Eastern Europe. Thus, Tshr, which plays a pivotal role in the sensitivity of the mammalian photoperiodic neuroendocrine system, was targeted by natural selection in Western European vole populations, resulting in the optimized timing of seasonal reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bait markers are indispensable for ecological research but in small mammals, most markers are invasive, expensive and do not enable quantitative analyses of consumption. Ethyl‐iophenoxic acid (Et‐IPA) is a non‐toxic, quantitative bait marker, which has been used for studying bait uptake in several carnivores and ungulates. We developed a bait with Et‐IPA, assessed its palatability to common voles (Microtus arvalis), and determined the dose‐residue‐relation for this important agricultural pest rodent species. Et‐IPA concentrations of 40 to 1280 μg Et‐IPA per g bait were applied to wheat using sunflower oil or polyethylene glycol 300 as potential carriers. In a laboratory study, common voles were offered the bait and blood samples were collected 1, 7, and 14 days after consumption. The samples were analyzed with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS for blood residues of Et‐IPA. Sunflower‐oil was the most suitable bait carrier. Et‐IPA seemed to be palatable to common voles at all test concentrations. Dose‐dependent residues could be detected in blood samples in a dose‐dependent manner and up to 14 days after uptake enabling generation of a calibration curve of the dose‐residue relationship. Et‐IPA was present in common vole blood for at least 14 days, but there was dissipation by 33–37% depending on dose. Et‐IPA meets many criteria for an "ideal" quantitative bait marker for use in future field studies on common voles and possibly other small mammal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, first lower molars identified as Microtus arvalis from nine archaeological and palaeontological sites of the Italian Peninsula were analysed from a morphometric point of view, focusing on the development of the anterior part of the tooth. We used the data obtained to reveal possible patterns of evolution during the Late Pleistocene, as well as similarities and differences among the Italian samples and between Italian and European populations from the same timeframe. Factors such as the relative isolation provided by the Italian Peninsula, its milder climatic setting, intra-specific population dynamics, and the south-north displacement of Italian groups are taken into account to explain the environmental and historic causes of the peculiarities displayed by Italian samples of Microtus arvalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated management of a serious agricultural pest, the common vole (Microtus arvalis), should be based on modern and empirically proven approaches. The aim of this paper was to map the historical development of the monitoring and control practices of the common vole in the Czech Republic (CR) territory. Published records of vole population outbreaks and heavy crop damage have been documented in the Czech literature since the turn of the 20th century, and even in crops planted in highly fragmented and diversified agricultural landscapes. In the CR, systematic state monitoring was introduced in 1955. In the 1930's, there were more than 100 various rodent preparations against the common vole, which were formulated as smoke generators, gases, baits, dusts, toxic mushy mass, and insecticide sprays. Currently, there are only six preparations with three active ingredients registered in the CR. Zinc phosphide is the only active ingredient that has been used from the 1940s to the present, whereas anticoagulants were banned for vole control in 2011 owing to the high environmental risks. The poisoning of nontarget animals by rodenticides is not a new phenomenon tied to synthetic pesticides; poisoning by botanical extracts (strychnine) was documented more than 100 years ago. This review may provide both historical lessons for current practice and new incentives for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals of a population may vary along a pace‐of‐life syndrome from highly fecund, short‐lived, bold, dispersive "fast" types at one end of the spectrum to less fecund, long‐lived, shy, plastic "slow" types at the other end. Risk‐taking behavior might mediate the underlying life history trade‐off, but empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis is still ambiguous. Using experimentally created populations of common voles (Microtus arvalis)—a species with distinct seasonal life history trajectories—we aimed to test whether individual differences in boldness behavior covary with risk taking, space use, and fitness. We quantified risk taking, space use (via automated tracking), survival, and reproductive success (via genetic parentage analysis) in 8 to 14 experimental, mixed‐sex populations of 113 common voles of known boldness type in large grassland enclosures over a significant part of their adult life span and two reproductive events. Populations were assorted to contain extreme boldness types (bold or shy) of both sexes. Bolder individuals took more risks than shyer ones, which did not affect survival. Bolder males but not females produced more offspring than shy conspecifics. Daily home range and core area sizes, based on 95% and 50% Kernel density estimates (20 ± 10 per individual, n = 54 individuals), were highly repeatable over time. Individual space use unfolded differently for sex‐boldness type combinations over the course of the experiment. While day ranges decreased for shy females, they increased for bold females and all males. Space use trajectories may, hence, indicate differences in coping styles when confronted with a novel social and physical environment. Thus, interindividual differences in boldness predict risk taking under near‐natural conditions and have consequences for fitness in males, which have a higher reproductive potential than females. Given extreme inter‐ and intra‐annual fluctuations in population density in the study species and its short life span, density‐dependent fluctuating selection operating differently on the sexes might maintain (co)variation in boldness, risk taking, and pace‐of‐life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural host ranges of many viruses are restricted to very specific taxa. Little is known about the molecular barriers between species that lead to the establishment of this restriction or generally prevent virus emergence in new hosts. Here, we identify genomic polymorphisms in a natural rodent host associated with a strong genetic barrier to the transmission of European Tula orthohantavirus (TULV). We analysed the very abrupt spatial transition between two major phylogenetic clades in TULV across the comparatively much wider natural hybrid zone between evolutionary lineages of their reservoir host, the common vole (Microtus arvalis). Genomic scans of 79,225 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 323 TULV‐infected host individuals detected 30 SNPs that were consistently associated with the TULV clades CEN.S or EST.S in two replicate sampling transects. Focusing the analysis on 199 voles with evidence of genomic admixture at the individual level (0.1–0.9) supported statistical significance for all 30 loci. Host genomic variation at these SNPs explained up to 37.6% of clade‐specific TULV infections. Genes in the vicinity of associated SNPs include SAHH, ITCH and two members of the Syngr gene family, which are involved in functions related to immune response or membrane transport. This study demonstrates the relevance of natural hybrid zones as systems not only for studying processes of evolutionary divergence and speciation, but also for the detection of evolving genetic barriers for specialized parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to study the diversity of parasite fauna in Microtus arvalis from various biocenoses, depending on the species and age of the host. The results of parasitological investigations showed a prevalence of Paranoplocephala omphaloides of 16.1%, respectively of Rodentolipis straminea - 19.3%, Catenotaenia cricetorum - 6.5%, Skrjabinotaenia lobata - 22.5%, Mesocestoides lineatus larvae 12.9 %, Hydatigera taeniaeformis larvae - 12.9%, Capillaria hepatica - 22.6%, Syphacia stroma - 16.1%, Syphacia obvelata - 38.7%, Heligmosomoides polygirus - 19.4%, Strongyloides ratti - 12.9%, Mastophorus muris - 29.0% and invasion with Trichocephalus muris has a prevalence of 22.5%. The taxonomic structure consists of 3 classes, 11 families, 12 genera and 13 species, of which 6 parasitic species belong to the Cestoda class, with a share of 46.2% of the total species, 5 species - to the Secernentea class with a share of 38,4%, and 2 species - to the Adenophorea class, constituting 15.4% of the total identified species. The development characteristic is represented by 6 species that develop according to the monoxen model (S. stroma, S. obvelata, C. hepatica, T. muris, H. polygirus, S. ratti), 7 species with polygenic evolution, including 6 species with development after the dixen model with the presence of exogenous forms (H. taeniaeformis larvae, M. muris, S. lobata, C. cricetorum, P. omphaloides, R. straminea) and one species evolving according to the trixen model (M. lineatus larvae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Potential effect of three environmental variables (population density of rodents, global weather in the form of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, and acorn crop) on human morbidity rate of three zoonoses: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), leptospirosis and tularaemia were analysed in the Czech Republic for the period 1970-1990.Methods: The Pearson's correlation analysis was used.Results: The correlation analysis revealed that the significant factor for explaining annual morbidity rates of these zoonoses was the abundance of common voles (Microtus arvalis) in the current year (for leptospirosis) or in the previous calendar year (for TBE and tularaemia).Conclusions: The two other environmental variables tested (NAO index and acorn production) do not seem to play a significant role in these zoonoses in Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voles are small herbivorous rodents that can display both circadian activity rhythms (~24-h periodicity) and ultradian activity rhythms (~1- to 6-h periodicity). Ultradian rhythms are observed on an individual level, but also in synchronized populations. Ultradian rhythm period has been suggested to be influenced by energy balance, but the underlying mechanisms of ultradian rhythmicity are poorly understood. We manipulated energy balance by implementing the "work-for-food" paradigm, in which small rodents are exposed to increasing levels of food scarcity at different ambient temperatures in the laboratory. Photoperiodical spring-programmed voles on high workload changed their nocturnal circadian activity and body temperature rhythm to ultradian patterns, indicating that a negative energy balance induces ultradian rhythmicity. This interpretation was confirmed by the observation that ultradian patterns arose earlier at low temperatures. Interestingly, a positive relationship between ultradian period length and workload was observed in tundra voles. Spectral analysis revealed that the power of ultradian rhythmicity increased at high workload, whereas the circadian component of running wheel activity decreased. This study shows that the balance between circadian and ultradian rhythmicity is determined by energy balance, confirming flexible circadian and ultradian rhythms in females and males of 2 different vole species: the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the tundra vole (Microtus oeconomus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although roads are widely seen as dispersal barriers, their genetic consequences for animals that experience large fluctuations in population density are poorly documented. We developed a spatially paired experimental design to assess the genetic impacts of roads on cyclic voles (Microtus arvalis) during a high-density phase in North-Western Spain. We compared genetic patterns from 15 paired plots bisected by three different barrier types, using linear mixed models and computing effect sizes to assess the importance of each type, and the influence of road features like width or the age of the infrastructure. Evidence of effects by roads on genetic diversity and differentiation were lacking. We speculate that the recurrent (each 3–5 generations) episodes of massive dispersal associated with population density peaks can homogenize populations and mitigate the possible genetic impact of landscape fragmentation by roads. This study highlights the importance of developing spatially replicated experimental designs that allow us to consider the large natural spatial variation in genetic parameters. More generally, these results contribute to our understanding of the not well explored effects of habitat fragmentation on dispersal in species showing "boom-bust" dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the common vole on cereal crops adjacent to winter rape in a rodent outbreak year. Significant damage was found at the margins of adjacent cereal fields, indicating direct colonisation by voles from the winter rape fields. The damage gradually decreased towards the centre of the fields. We suppose that the reduction of winter rape quality as food connected with plant phenophase (ripening phase) resulted in spill-over of the voles to an adjacent crops. We also observed that spring barley crops were damaged more than winter wheat. We assume that this happened due to the fact that there was no barrier between fields of spring barley and winter rape, while wheat and rape fields were separated by a road. The number of voles at the barley field margin was significantly lower than in the middle (significantly in barley, non-significantly in wheat), which may be related to the depletion of resources at the margins. The abundance of voles appearing in rape was significantly lower than in cereals; in its ripening phase winter rape has low habitat value for voles. This study indicates that voles can cause the same amount of damage to cereals adjacent to winter rape as to cereals adjacent to their primary habitats (e.g. grassland). This is especially evident in years of vole outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is predicted to have major effects on the annual time windows during which species may successfully reproduce. At the organismal level, climatic shifts engage with the control mechanism for reproductive seasonality. In mammals, laboratory studies on neuroendocrine mechanism emphasize photoperiod as a predictive cue, but this is based on a restricted group of species. In contrast, field‐oriented comparative analyses demonstrate that proximate bioenergetic effects on the reproductive axis are a major determinant of seasonal reproductive timing. The interaction between proximate energetic and predictive photoperiodic cues is neglected. Here, we focused on photoperiodic modulation of postnatal reproductive development in common voles (Microtus arvalis), a herbivorous species in which a plastic timing of breeding is well documented. We demonstrate that temperature‐dependent modulation of photoperiodic responses manifest in the thyrotrophin‐sensitive tanycytes of the mediobasal hypothalamus. Here, the photoperiod‐dependent expression of type 2 deiodinase expression, associated with the summer phenotype was enhanced by 21°C, whereas the photoperiod‐dependent expression of type 3 deiodinase expression, associated with the winter phenotype, was enhanced by 10°C in spring voles. Increased levels of testosterone were found at 21°C, whereas somatic and gonadal growth were oppositely affected by temperature. The magnitude of these temperature effects was similar in voles photoperiodical programmed for accelerated maturation (ie, born early in the breeding season) and in voles photoperiodical programmed for delayed maturation (ie, born late in the breeding season). The melatonin‐sensitive pars tuberalis was relatively insensitive to temperature. These data define a mechanistic hierarchy for the integration of predictive temporal cues and proximate thermo‐energetic effects in mammalian reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778) is the most widespread Microtus species. It has two forms - the European arvalis form (2n: 46, NF: 84) and the Asian obscurus form (2n: 46, NF: 72). The present study aimed to clarify the taxonomic status of M. arvalis populations distributed in Eastern Turkey, Europe and Asia by analysing two mitochondrial (CYTB and COX1) and one nuclear (IRBP) markers. Phylogenetic dendrograms (median-joining networks and Bayesian trees) constructed using the mitochondrial markers clearly separated the Anatolian population from the European and Asian populations. Contrarily, any explicit differentiation was not shown in IRBP analyses. Mean and net genetic distance values (d) were found to be notably low for three markers. Species delimitation test (Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery Method) supported these results. Our results indicate that the arvalis and obscurus forms are not sufficiently differentiated to be considered different species, while the Anatolian population has only recently split from the Asian population. Together, these findings demonstrate that the speciation process is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fleas frequently infest small mammals and play important vectoring roles in the epidemiology of (re)emerging zoonotic disease. Rodent outbreaks in intensified agro-ecosystems of North-West Spain have been recently linked to periodic zoonotic diseases spillover to local human populations. Obtaining qualitative and quantitative information about the composition and structure of the whole flea and small mammal host coexisting communities is paramount to understand disease transmission cycles and to elucidate the disease-vectoring role of flea species. The aims of this research were to: (i) characterise and quantify the flea community parasiting a small mammal guild in intensive farmlands in North-West Spain; (ii) determine and evaluate patterns of co-infection and the variables that may influence parasitological parameters. Methods: We conducted a large-scale survey stratified by season and habitat of fleas parasitizing the small mammal host guild. We report on the prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of flea species parasitizing Microtus arvalis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus spretus and Crocidura russula. We also report on aggregation patterns (variance-to-mean ratio and discrepancy index) and co-infection of hosts by different flea species (Fager index) and used generalized linear mixed models to study flea parameter variation according to season, habitat and host sex. Results: Three flea species dominated the system: Ctenophthalmus apertus gilcolladoi, Leptopsylla taschenbergi and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. Results showed a high aggregation pattern of fleas in all hosts. All host species in the guild shared C. a. gilcolladoi and N. fasciatus, but L. taschenbergi mainly parasitized mice (M. spretus and A. sylvaticus). We found significant male-biased infestation patterns in mice, seasonal variations in flea abundances for all rodent hosts (M. arvalis, M. spretus and A. sylvaticus), and relatively lower infestation values for voles inhabiting alfalfas. Simultaneous co-infections occurred in a third of all hosts, and N. fasciatus was the most common flea co-infecting small mammal hosts. Conclusions: The generalist N. fasciatus and C. a. gilcolladoi dominated the flea community, and a high percentage of co-infections with both species occurred within the small mammal guild. Nosopsyllus fasciatus may show higher competence of inter-specific transmission, and future research should unravel its role in the circulation of rodent-borne zoonoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) was chosen as the bird of the year in Hungary by BirdLife Hungary in 2020 to pay more attention to this species. In the present study, we analysed the data collected on the food, changes in the population and the use of the roosting sites of the owls wintering Southeast-Hungary. A total of 4,683 pellets were collected in four winter seasons between 2016 and 2020, of which 5,265 prey animals were identified. We counted the individuals roosting in the winter roosting sites, and from their maximum number we estimated the local population change of the species as well as the success of the breeding. For this, we also used roadkill data from the nearby town, Battonya. The diet of Long-eared Owls in the study area was similar to that observed in other parts of the Carpathian Basin. The smaller differences were mainly due to the different geographical distribution of different prey species. We also identified some species previously having no or very few data, thus we confirmed their stable presence in the area. Different weather factors within the season did not effect owls' diet. The most varied diet was found in the warmest, least snowy winter. Comparing the feeding data with the data from the 1960s and 1970s, it can be seen that the proportion of preys changed significantly. The proportion of House/Steppe Mice decreased by an order of magnitude, while that of rats increased by the same amount over time. The most likely reasons for this may be changes in agricultural cultivation or local demographic conditions (depopulation). In the 2018/19 season, the proportion of Common Vole in the pellets was much higher than in any other years, suggesting this year's gradation of the species. The pellets collected in different roosting sites close to each other typically had the same proportions of prey animals. The maximum number of birds observed at the roosting sites did not correlate with the weather of the given season, but was probably related to the effectiveness of the previous breeding season. The population of the species decreased compared to the early 2000's based on the number of roosting individuals. This may be due to a decline in crow populations. It should be noted, however, that according to both the roadkills in Battonya and the maximum number of the roosting individuals in Kevermes, this drastic decline came to a halt in 2010s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent outbreaks affect many farmland areas worldwide and the negative environmental impacts of control campaigns cause intense social tensions. In such conservation conflicts, understanding stakeholders' viewpoints is critical to promote ecologically sustainable management. We used Q-methodology, a framework standing between qualitative and quantitative social research, to investigate human subjectivity and understand conflicts caused by rodent outbreaks in Spain. We interviewed farmers, conservationists, hunters, and governmental agencies, and identified five main discourses about the origins and consequences of the conflictive situation. Finding sustainable management is impaired by opposing views about causes and consequences of vole outbreaks and their management, which are at the root of the conflict. Social tensions will likely remain until the underlying conflicts between people holding different views are also managed. Decision-making should therefore focus on mitigating underlying conflicts. Using trained independent mediators would help the effective resolution of conservation conflicts caused by rodent outbreaks and their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) are widespread in the European agricultural landscape from central Spain to central Russia. During population outbreaks, significant damage to a variety of crops is caused and the risk of pathogen transmission from voles to people increases. In 2019, increasing or unusually high common vole densities have been reported from several European countries. This is highly important in terms of food production and public health. Therefore, authorities, extension services and farmers need to be aware of the rapid and widespread increase in common voles and take appropriate measures as soon as possible. Management options include chemical and non-chemical methods. However, the latter are suitable only for small and valuable crops and it is recommended to increase efforts to predict common voles outbreaks and to develop and field test new and optimized management tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using long-term data on incidences of Lyme disease and tickborne encephalitis, we showed that the dynamics of both diseases in central Europe are predictable from rodent host densities and climate indices. Our approach offers a simple and effective tool to predict a tickborne disease risk 1 year in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique evaluation of the apple tree trunk bark damage caused by common vole and European hare was presented. Damage was found in an apple orchard under organic farming, in Central Moravia (Czech Republic), at 700 m a.s.l. There were two cultivated apple cultivars Red Spring and Melodie/Angold. Damage occurred in winter with the snow cover lasting from December to February. In total 1 012 trees and 95.7% of trees were damaged. The cv. Red Spring was damaged more than cv. Melodie/Angold. Almost 90% of the dead trees were killed by common voles. While hares damaged both cultivars equally, voles damaged the cv. Red Spring to a significantly greater extent (P = 0.04). The study confirms the need of further research on the development of methodologies for orchard protection from damage caused by small mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus is a major causative agent of acute hepatitis worldwide. Despite its zoonotic potential, there is limited information about the natural chain of hepevirus infection in wildlife, and the potential reservoir species. In this study, we performed a HEV survey by heminested RT‐PCR on rodent samples from an urban environment (in the city of Pécs, Hungary) and investigated the prevalence of the virus among these native rodent species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus arvalis and Myodes glareolus). HEV was detected exclusively in Common voles (M. arvalis), in 10.2% of screened voles, and 3.2% of all investigated samples from all species. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, our strain showed the closest homology with European Orthohepevirus C strains detected previously in faecal samples of birds of prey and Red fox, supporting the possibility of the dietary origin of these strains. In addition, our samples showed close phylogenetic relation with a South American strain detected in Necromys lasiurus (Cricetidae), but separated clearly from other Muridae‐associated strains, suggesting the presence of a Cricetidae‐specific genotype in Europe and South‐America. Based on these results, we hypothesize the reservoir role of M. arvalis rodents for the European Cricetidae‐specific Orthohepevirus C genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) can cause severe crop damage in European agriculture and are usually managed with rodenticides. Population dynamics and behavioral studies question rodenticide effectiveness, and an ecologically based management is needed. A useful addition to such a toolbox could be repelling odor barriers along field margins minimizing migration of voles to crops. We screened 17 plant products and mammalian scents in T-maze trials to test their repelling effects. The most repelling compounds (carrot seed oil (CS), black pepper oil (BP), spruce needle oil (SN), benzaldehyde (BA), BA and BP in double concentration (dc), combinations of BP + BA and BP + CS) were tested further in enclosures. We measured in four populations how often voles crossed enclosure compartments through channels treated with a compound or without a compound. In addition, the amount of rolled oats eaten by voles near treated and untreated channels was compared. In enclosures, voles avoided significantly channels treated with BP (79% more crossings through the control channel) and BP (dc) (42%). Voles consumed significantly more rolled oats near control channels than in the presence of BP + CS (72% more feeding at control), CS (51%), BA (dc) (36%), BP (32%) and BA + BP (28%). This demonstrated for the first time that natural compounds can reduce uptake of a highly attractive food source in common voles under semi-natural conditions. BP + CS was the most successful feeding deterrent and has the potential to be included in an ecologically based management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Common voles only detected in zero-tilled plots within an experimental design. • No voles detected in either reduced or conventional tilled plots. • Zero-tillage offers low disturbance habitat, often with established cover. • Fallow and vetch plots had highest occupancy, while no voles detected in pea plots. • Crop nitrogen content not a predictive quality for common vole habitat choice. Abstract Common voles are a main European facultative, fossorial, farmland rodent pest that can greatly reduce crop yields during population outbreaks. Crop protection against common voles is a complex task that requires the consideration of a set of preventive and control measures within an integrated pest management strategy. A possible option could be to modify farming practices to reduce the availability of refuges for rodents and the damage to crops that they subsequently cause. Farming, however, must simultaneously meet multiple goals including the reduction of the carbon (C) emissions, soil erosion and water use, and the improvement of soil quality. Crop establishment through conservation agriculture strategies, like zero-tillage, would reduce crop management investment, but is also promoted in many regions to reduce C emissions and increase soil organic matter. It could, however, create favourable refuge habitats for fossorial rodent crop pests, like common voles, benefitting from reduced soil disturbance between crop rotations and thus increasing burrow persistence. Assessing the impact that tillage practices, their interaction with different crops and the influence of proximity to potential common vole sources, have on common vole occupancy could provide a valuable tool within an integrated management strategy. Using a 2-ha experimental field with 62 plots 180 m2 (each roughly matching common vole home range size) located experimental plots in north-western Spain, we tested how tillage practices, crop type (wheat, barley, vetch, Narbonne vetch, pea and fallow) and distances from possible colonization sources affect field use by common vole during low population density conditions. Our results show that tillage practices have more influence on common vole occurrence (zero tillage > reduced and conventional tillage) than other aspects such as crop type thus supporting the hypothesis that tillage practices play a key role in common vole habitat use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analysed morphometrically fossil populations of Microtus arvalis and M. agrestis from eight late Middle to Late Pleistocene archaeological and palaeontological sites in the Carpathian Basin, northern Hungary. The intra‐ and interspecific variations in both species can be related to climatic oscillations linked to the onset of the Eemian interglacial and the first phases of Marine Isotope Stage 5. The size of M. agrestis can be correlated with the presence/absence of relatively humid climatic and environmental conditions and of surface water resources (such as marshes and flooded areas). A possible immigration event of M. arvalis populations into the Carpathian Basin, also related to the Eemian interglacial, is also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here I describe the first confirmed breeding of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) in the Czech Republic after 1973. In 2019, a pair of the Red-footed Falcon bred in a rural landscape near Hrdibořice (Olomouc region, mapping square 6569), while five young successfully fledged. Such a unique breeding event of the Red-footed Falcon in the Czech Republic may correspond with an increase of the breeding populations in Hungary and Slovakia, as well as with a parallel population peak of the Common Vole (Microtus arvalis) - the important component of the Red-footed Falcon diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Determining how the progressive loss of resources due to agricultural intensification and habitat degradation affect individual fitness and population persistence is a matter of urgency. Here we explored three major questions in order to extend knowledge of the relationship between reproduction rate, diet and energy intake in White Storks Ciconia ciconia based both on our own analysis of pellets and landscape properties sampled in 52 nests in south-western Poland, and published literature data. (1) How many individual prey items are needed to meet the daily energy requirements of nestlings over the brood rearing period? (2) How do the dietary patterns vary under different habitat conditions and what is the spatial scale responsible for these relationships? (3) Is reproductive output related to variations in landscape traits, and is diet variability related to intraspecific competition resulting from colonial breeding? In our estimation, the energy requirements of nestlings during the brood rearing period showed that the most profitable invertebrate prey items were Orthoptera and earthworms. Owing to the nestlings' gape-size constraint (precluding consumption of vertebrate prey items of the size of Common Voles), these most likely comprise the staple diet enabling survival during the first 20 days of life. The total energy content across all the pellets was a simple function (a negative correlation) of %arable land within a distance of 5 km around the nests. White Storks from nests of high-productivity pairs (with 3–4 fledglings and less %arable around) consumed equal %biomasses of invertebrate and vertebrate prey, while invertebrates prevailed in the diet of the low-productivity pairs. Our results suggest that a two-level ontogenetic trophic bottleneck may explain the low productivity of White Stork pairs in simplified landscapes with predominant arable land use. As a result of this, parent birds are unable to satisfy the growing energy demands of nestlings (1) by gathering a sufficient volume of abundant small-sized prey (early nestlings) and (2) by delivering energetically more profitable vertebrate prey at the time of the diet switch. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • For nestlings the most profitable prey items were Orthoptera and earthworms. • They probably comprise the staple diet, enabling survival during the first 20 days of life. • %arable land was negatively correlated with the energy content of the pellets examined. • Parent birds are unable to satisfy the growing energy demands of nestlings. • A two-level ontogenetic trophic bottleneck is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bisabolol, eugenol and maltol attract common voles in T-maze trials. • Maltol improves trapping success in common voles in enclosed populations. • Maltol could be used to improve the tool box for ecologically-based rodent management after testing under field conditions. Abstract Common voles are serious pests in European agriculture, damaging cereals, rapeseed and other crops and causing substantial losses per outbreak. Not only might the usual approach of applying rodenticides for population management have disadvantages for non-target species, these rodenticides also cannot be used in organic farming. An alternative solution could be an approach related to the concept of ecologically-based rodent management combining environmentally sustainable methods based on knowledge about the target species. Such a method inhibits the dispersal of common voles from field margins to crop habitats via a trap-barrier system. However, little is known about attractants, which could increase the trapping success of common voles. We screened 22 natural substances in T-maze trials. The three most successful substances were further tested during enclosure trials under semi-natural conditions. Bisabolol, eugenol and maltol attracted six of eight voles during the T-maze trials and were mixed into grain pellet bait. Bait containing maltol caught significantly more common voles in enclosures than plain control bait or bait containing bisabolol or eugenol. Of all individuals, 21% chose exclusively baits with maltol. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) indicated that every individual would be trapped once in 6 h with this bait type and GLMM predicted that 63% of females and 56% of males would choose this bait over plain control bait. Maltol bait could help either by more efficiently trapping common voles in a trap-barrier system or improving bait acceptance when rodenticides are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Genetic diversity of the common vole Microtus arvalis Pall., 1778 of the obscurus form was examined by analyzing the variability of two markers, the cytochrome b gene (1143 bp) and the fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region (800 bp). One hundred forty-five individuals were captured at 39 locations from the Crimean Peninsula in the west to northern Altai in the east. On the basis of the analysis of the cytochrome b gene sequences, all M. arvalis individuals of the obscurus form from the regions under consideration were assigned to the previously identified Sino-Russian clade, distributed in the main part of the range of the obscurus form. On the basis of concatenated sequences of the two mtDNA markers, the internal structure of the Sino-Russian clade was established and two subclades, Crimean and Eurasian, were identified. In the Eurasian subclade, related haplotypes form several geographically localized groups (Vyatka-Ural, Volga-Ural, Southern Ural, Southern Cis-Urals 1, and Southern Cis-Urals 2). The groups are connected with each other through a widespread set of poorly differentiated haplotypes found from the Cis-Urals to Western Siberia. Two haplotypes from the North Altai and northern foothills of the Altai Mountains are included in the Eurasian subclade. However, these haplotypes are separated from each other and from haplotypes of other groups by distances comparable with the intergroup distance for this subclade. Demographic analysis enables the conclusion that the history of the Sino-Russian clade of M. arvalis of the form obscurus has regional specificity. Haplotypes found in seven locations on the Crimean Peninsula are most likely the result of a single expansion event, whereas for the Eurasian subclade, several successive waves of expansion can be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key adaptation of mammals to their environment is their ability to maintain a constant high body temperature, even at rest, under a wide range of ambient temperatures. In cold climates, this is achieved by an adaptive production of endogenous heat, known as nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), in the brown adipose tissue (BAT). This organ, unique to mammals, contains a very high density of mitochondria, and BAT correct functioning relies on the correct functioning of its mitochondria. Mitochondria enclose proteins encoded both in the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome and in the biparentally inherited nuclear genome, and one overlooked hypothesis is that both genomes and their interaction may shape NST. By housing under standardized conditions wild-derived common voles (Microtus arvalis) from two distinct evolutionary lineages (Western [W] and Central [C]), we show that W voles had greater NST than C voles. By introgressing those two lineages over at least nine generations, we then experimentally tested the influence of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes on NST and related phenotypic traits. We found that between-lineage variation in NST and BAT size were significantly influenced by the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, respectively, with the W mitochondrial genotype being associated with higher NST and the W nuclear genotype with a larger BAT. There were significant mito–nuclear interactions on whole animal body weight and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Hybrid voles were lighter and had higher RMR. Overall, our findings turn new light on the influence of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes on thermogenesis and building adaptation to the environment in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pup survival and growth rates were monitored to determine whether paternal care potentially contributes to reproductive success of male common voles Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1779. The subjects were 258 pups from 47 litters obtained from adult voles trapped in the wild. Reproducing pairs were formed and divided onto two groups in accordance with the age and parental experience of the reproducing individuals: group I included pairs with subadult males and nulliparous females; group II included pairs with adult males and multiparous females. Each of the groups was divided into two subgroups: in subgroups Iа (n = 13) and IIа (n= 11), litters were raised by females without sires; in subgroups Ib (n = 12) and IIb (n = 11), litters were raised by both parents. The litter size was recorded at parturition and again when the young were 12, 21, and 30 days old. Pups in each litter were weighed at parturition and also again when the young were 12, 21, and 30 days old. This study has shown that the presence of the sire may negatively affect both survival and growth rates of the pups, but this effect is dependent on the age of the reproducing individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased human activities caused the isolation of populations in many species—often associated with genetic depletion and negative fitness effects. The effects of isolation are predicted by theory, but long-term data from natural populations are scarce. We show, with full genome sequences, that common voles (Microtus arvalis) in the Orkney archipelago have remained genetically isolated from conspecifics in continental Europe since their introduction by humans over 5,000 years ago. Modern Orkney vole populations are genetically highly differentiated from continental conspecifics as a result of genetic drift processes. Colonization likely started on the biggest Orkney island and vole populations on smaller islands were gradually split off, without signs of secondary admixture. Despite having large modern population sizes, Orkney voles are genetically depauperate and successive introductions to smaller islands resulted in further reduction of genetic diversity. We detected high levels of fixation of predicted deleterious variation compared with continental populations, particularly on smaller islands, yet the fitness effects realized in nature are unknown. Simulations showed that predominantly mildly deleterious mutations were fixed in populations, while highly deleterious mutations were purged early in the history of the Orkney population. Relaxation of selection overall due to benign environmental conditions on the islands and the effects of soft selection may have contributed to the repeated, successful establishment of Orkney voles despite potential fitness loss. Furthermore, the specific life history of these small mammals, resulting in relatively large population sizes, has probably been important for their long-term persistence in full isolation. [Display omitted] • Common voles on Orkney remained completely isolated for more than 5,000 years • Genetic drift led to a strong reduction of genetic diversity and population divergence • Orkney voles have high levels of detrimental mutations, especially on small islands • Simulations suggest purging of highly deleterious alleles, while mild ones persisted Wang et al. show that common voles on the Orkney archipelago have remained genetically isolated for more than 5,000 years after human introduction. Orkney voles lost most genetic diversity and harbor high levels of inferred strongly deleterious mutations, yet simulations and large current population sizes suggest rather mild effects on fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In simplified agricultural landscapes, some rodent species such as the common vole (Microtus arvalis) can reach high abundances and become agricultural pests. Crop field margins are a key structural element and, therefore, expected to play a key role in vole abundance, even within the demographic cycles that govern vole population dynamics. Here, we aim to identify i) the margin variables that determine vole population response, and ii) at which spatial scale this response can be identified and, therefore, managed. We sampled vole abundance in field margins in two replicated areas of north-western Spain during five years, including all population phases. Environmental variables related to vegetation structure, nearby crops and presence of streams or ditches were extracted at two different spatial scales: a precise small spatial scale -"trapping point" scale-, which referred to the exact location of the traps, and a broader spatial scale -"margin" scale-, that referred to the average values across the whole margin length. Using linear mixed models, we analysed the effects of the environmental variables at both spatial scales during the vole population cycle phases. The broad spatial scale accounted better for vole abundance response, being the latter dependent on the population cycle phase. The stronger effect of environmental variables consisted on vegetation structure effects during the peak phase. In this phase, margins with high cover and short vegetation promote high vole abundances, whilst margins with less cover and taller vegetation, usually associated with higher stability in margins, were related to lower peak abundances. No clear effect of nearby crops was detected in our models, when all variables were accounted for. Our results suggest that keeping stable and well vegetated field margins leads to lower abundance within crop field margins during the population outbreaks, and that any successful management strategy should be addressed to the full extent of the field margin, instead of more localized actions. • Margin vegetation differentially affects vole abundance over the population cycle. • Tall vegetation with low cover maintains reduced vole abundance during peak phase. • Stable and well vegetated field margins show smoother vole population cycles. • Management actions should be taken at the whole margin scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We detected Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp. in fleas parasitizing common voles (Microtus arvalis) from northwestern Spain; mean prevalence was 6.1% for F. tularensis and 51% for Bartonella spp. Contrasted vector-host associations in the prevalence of these bacteria suggest that fleas have distinct roles in the transmission cycle of each pathogen in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial capture-recapture modelling (SCR) is a powerful analytical tool to estimate density and derive information on space use and behaviour of elusive animals. Yet, SCR has been seldom applied to the study of ecologically keystone small mammals. Here we highlight its potential and requirements with a case study on common voles (Microtus arvalis). First, we address mortality associated with live-trapping, which can be high in small mammals, and must be kept minimal. We designed and tested a nest box coupled with a classic Sherman trap and show that it allows a 5-fold reduction of mortality in traps. Second, we address the need to adjust the trapping grid to the individual home range to maximize spatial recaptures. In May-June 2016, we captured and tagged with transponders 227 voles in a 1.2-ha area during two monthly sessions. Using a Bayesian SCR with a multinomial approach, we estimated: (1) the baseline detection rate and investigated variation according to sex, time or behaviour (aversion/attraction after a previous capture); (2) the parameter sigma that describes how detection probability declines as a function of the distance to an individual´s activity centre, and investigated variation according to sex; and (3) density and population sex-ratio. We show that reducing the maximum distance between traps from 12 to 9.6m doubled spatial recaptures and improved model predictions. Baseline detection rate increased over time (after overcoming a likely aversion to entering new odourless traps) and was greater for females than males in June. The sigma parameter of males was twice that of females, indicating larger home ranges. Density estimates were of 142.92±38.50 and 168.25±15.79 voles/ha in May and June, respectively, with 2–3 times more females than males. We highlight the potential and broad applicability that SCR offers and provide specific recommendations for using it to study small mammals like voles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dietary niche of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in an intensively farmed landscape, based on pellet samples from 12 nesting pairs containing 25 animal taxa and 1,994 prey items after the breeding season in 2016. Based on land use categories of the buffer area around each nest, three landscape types (agricultural, mosaic, urban) were considered, to analyse the diet composition and food-niche parameters. Niche breadth was calculated at the local and landscape level. Small mammals were the most frequent in the diet than other prey in each of the landscape types. The Common Vole (Microtus arvalis), considered to be an important agricultural pest was the most numerous prey in all landscape groups. The trophic niche of Barn Owl varied between 0.69 - 0.86 at the local level, and the overall value of niche breadth was significantly higher in the urban than in the other two landscape types. Our results showed that the increase of Common Vole frequency lead to a decrease in niche breadth; significantly negative relationship was detected between these parameters. Despite differences in niche breadth, similarly high niche overlaps were detected by the randomisation test in the three landscapes. Our results suggest that the diet composition of Barn Owls, mainly their food-niche pattern, reflected prey availability in the comparison of the studied landscapes, which pointed out that it is necessary to examine the dietary difference of Barn Owls at the finer scale of land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and morphometric variations in the first lower molars of Microtus arvalis and Microtus agrestis from the late Pleistocene site of Teixoneres Cave (Barcelona, Spain) have been investigated in order to understand the modifications in dental patterns occurring in these two species in a peripheral region of their distribution area. It was possible to identify along the sequence differences in size and frequencies of morphotypes within the two populations, corresponding to environmental and climatic oscillations. Hypotheses to explain these intraspecific changes are discussed, and the variations are ascribed primarily to small-scale intraregional movements of these two rodent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding of Little Owl (Athene noctua) was studied in a farmland area of Kiskunság, Central Hungary. For the analyses, a total of 661 Little Owl pellets were collected between February and September 2005 from three locations, corresponding known Little Owl territories situated nearby the settlements Apaj, Kunpeszér and Ladánybene. The aim of the present study was to explore the diet composition of Little Owl and to give a detailed evaluation of the arthropod diversity based on the pellet analysis. The identified prey items represented 15 vertebrate and 39 invertebrate species/taxa. In terms of prey number, dominance of small mammals was observed in two sites (Apaj - 55%, Kunpeszér - 68%), while birds and mammals shared almost equal dominance (~25%) in Ladánybene. The most numerous mammal species was the Common Vole (Microtus arvalis), while the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) played key role among the birds. Contribution of amphibian Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus) was considerable, while share of reptiles was marginal. Vertebrates also played a predominant role by contributing over 99% of the overall prey biomass in all study sites. Invertebrate prey dominance ranged from 24.8-30.0% while their contribution to the overall biomass was very low (0.14-0.34%). Large sized beetles (Pentodon idiota, Melolontha hippocastani) and orthopterans (Tettigonia viridissima, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa) were preferred. Arthropod species richness and diversity were the highest in Kunpeszér, supposedly owing to the rich mosaic habitat structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a highly promising method for estimating food quality in small mammals. The method used to prepare rodent stomach content samples, however, may influence nitrogenous substance results. In this study, we focus on comparing methods of preparation of samples and finding the optimal preparation method, which means saving time and costs as well as maintenance of reliability and precision of estimation. We examined 1497 stomachs of the following species: Apodemus flavicollis , A. sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis . We used two preparation methods (grinding and abrasion). Where possible, cardiac and pyloric stomach sections were also examined separately. We found no significant difference between these data, hence only financial, time and equipment factors need determine the processing method in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the maximum entropy modeling algorithm and using 12 environmental variables, we modeled the distribution of the vole twin species Microtus arvalis and M. levis, with particular attention to regions where the species overlap. For both species models performances were considered "excellent" (AUC > 0.9), although some occurrences appeared in areas of low habitat suitability, whereas in some areas of predicted high habitat suitability there were no occurrences. Apparently, both species do not fully occupy areas predicted to be favorable in terms of habitat suitability and persistence. The cause for such restriction are not the considered factors (including bioclimatic), but competitive interactions that prevent individuals of one species from expanding within the home range of the other. Contributions of the considered environmental variables for generating the potential distribution prediction were distinguished: for M. arvalis net primary production alone made the largest contribution (42 %), whereas for M. levis there was a cumulative effect of a number of factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weight parameters that characterize the size and the degree of fullness of fermentation chambers (forestomach and cecum), namely, the weight of the walls and the content of these organs, and the concentration and size distribution of fibers in the chyme have been investigated in five muroid rodent species ( Arvicola terrestris, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus arvalis sp., Clethrionomys glareolus, and Sylvaemus flavicollis). No distinct regularities were observed in the above-mentioned parameters of the forestomach. These parameters of the cecum were generally found to be in good agreement with the conventional concept of dietary specialization of the rodent species under investigation, but the results have provided a more precise assessment of the role of dietary fiber in the diet of free-living rodents under specific environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents, including common voles ( Microtus arvalis) and house mice ( Mus musculus) cause immense pre-harvest and post-harvest losses. Therefore, developing methods that mitigate these losses while maintaining their role in ecosystems is a priority. Several plant secondary metabolites (PSM) which significantly reduce food intake of both species under laboratory conditions have been identified. However, before these can be used in rodent pest management, they must be tested under more natural conditions where other food sources are available. In this study, the odors of 4 PSMs were evaluated for their repellent effects in experiments conducted in semi-natural enclosures. Soil treated with PSMs or untreated soil (experimental control) was placed in an underground box containing food (rolled oats). We quantified the number of visits to each box and could demonstrate that all 4 PSMs reduced the number of visits to treatment boxes in both rodent species. For common voles the combination of methyl nonyl ketone + black pepper oil was the most repellent PSM. House mice made fewer visits to all PSM boxes; boxes with the anthraquinone were visited least. Furthermore, house mice consumed less food from boxes containing soil treated with all 4 PSMs. Our results suggest that PSMs are repellent in murid and microtine rodents under semi-field conditions. In addition, the future use of PSM odors for repelling both pest species, especially house mice, seems promising. Further investigations with other PSMs, different concentrations as well as alternative application methods are needed to repel common voles from attractive crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and rickettsiae of the spotted fever group are zoonotic tick-borne pathogens. While small mammals are confirmed reservoirs for certain Borrelia spp., little is known about the reservoirs for tick-borne rickettsiae. Between 2012 and 2014, ticks were collected from the vegetation and small mammals which were trapped in Saxony, Germany. DNA extracted from ticks and the small mammals' skin was analyzed for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) by qPCR targeting the gltA and p41 genes, respectively. Partial sequencing of the rickettsial ompB gene and an MLST of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) were conducted for species determination. Results: In total, 673 small mammals belonging to eight species (Apodemus agrarius, n = 7; A. flavicollis, n = 214; Microtus arvalis, n = 8; Microtus agrestis, n = 1; Mustela nivalis, n = 2; Myodes glareolus, n = 435; Sorex araneus, n = 5; and Talpa europaea, n = 1) were collected and examined. In total, 916 questing ticks belonging to three species (Ixodes ricinus, n = 741; Dermacentor reticulatus, n = 174; and I. trianguliceps, n = 1) were collected. Of these, 474 ticks were further investigated. The prevalence for Rickettsia spp. and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in the investigated small mammals was 25.3 and 31.2%, respectively. The chance of encountering Rickettsia spp. in M. glareolus was seven times higher for specimens infested with D. reticulatus than for those which were free of D. reticulatus (OR: 7.0; 95% CI: 3.3-14.7; P < 0.001). In total, 11.4% of questing I. ricinus and 70.5% of D. reticulatus were positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) was detected only in I. ricinus (5.5%). Sequence analysis revealed 9 R. helvetica, 5 R. raoultii, and 1 R. felis obtained from 15 small mammal samples. Conclusion: Small mammals may serve as reservoirs for Rickettsia spp. and B. burgdorferi (s.l.). While the prevalence for Rickettsia spp. in M. glareolus is most likely depending on the abundance of attached D. reticulatus, the prevalence for B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in small mammals is independent of tick abundance. Dermacentor reticulatus may be the main vector of certain Rickettsia spp. but not for Borrelia spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tula virus (TULV) is a zoonotic hantavirus. Knowledge about TULV in the Netherlands is very scarce. Therefore in 2014, 49 common voles ( Microtus arvalis) from a region in the south of the Netherlands, and in 2015, 241 common voles from regions in the north of the Netherlands were tested with the TULV quantitative RT-PCR. In the southern region, prevalence of TULV was 41% (20/49). In the northern regions, prevalence ranged from 12% (4/34) to 45% (17/38). Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed that the regions fall within different clusters. Voles from the south were also tested on-site for the presence of hantavirus antibodies, but serology results were poorly associated with qRT-PCR results. These findings suggest that TULV may be more widespread than previously thought. No human TULV cases have been reported thus far in the Netherlands, but differentiation between infection by TULV or the closely related Puumala virus is not made in humans in the Netherlands, thus cases may be misdiagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding pattern of red foxes Vulpes vulpes , i.e., the composition of their diet and dietary responses to fluctuations in the abundance of common voles Microtus arvalis were compared in the periods before and after the limitation of anthropogenic food availability in a rural area in western Poland. During the winter seasons of 1996/97–2014/15, the diet of the foxes was estimated by analysing the stomach contents of individuals shot from November to March and the index of vole abundance was obtained by counting their burrow entrances. The major component of the fox diet over the entire study period was anthropogenic food (mainly, the remains of farm animals) that showed both the highest average proportion in the stomach content volume (53.4%) and the highest average frequency of occurrence in the stomachs (62.7%), whereas small mammals were the second important component (27.5% and 54.2%, respectively). The frequency of anthropogenic food decreased and the frequencies of wild ungulate carrion and other wild vertebrates (mainly birds) increased after the limitation of anthropogenic resources. The observed fluctuations in the index of vole abundance resulted in positive changes in the small mammal frequency and negative changes in the anthropogenic food frequency, but the course of these relationships did not significantly differ between the two periods. The frequency of hares in fox stomachs did not change significantly between these periods, but recently the occurrence of hares in the diet of foxes increased with vole abundance. This study indicated that the reduction of anthropogenic food availability for carnivorous mammals may result in their switching to other prey species and potentially may have a negative influence on the demography of such prey species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]