RADIOTELEMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF HORTICULTURAL PRACTICES ON PINE AND MEADOW VOLES IN APPLE ORCHARDS: III. USE OF ORCHARD BORDER HABITATS BY MEADOW VOLES

Authors

Ralph E. Pagano, State University of New York at Binghamton
Dale M. Madison, State University of New York at Binghamton

Date of this Version

March 1982

Comments

Published in Proceedings of the Sixth Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium, Harpers Ferry, WV, March 10-12, 1982, Ross E. Byers, editor. Copyright © 1982 Pagano and Madison.

Abstract

A study was undertaken to determine if meadow voles,Microtus pennsylvanicus, use habitats adjacent to apple orchards. Considerations were given to how extensively these areas were used, if at all, and if a bulldozed strip would control their movements between the orchard and adjacent border habitats. Trapping and telemetry data showed that meadow voles do use the adjacent border habitats extensively and make frequent crossings between these areas and the nearby or¬chards. It would seem, therefore, important to include these areas in any vole management program. Although the bulldozed strip was effective in reducing movements between the orchard and adjacent habitat types, questions remain as to the optimal method of controlling any movement.