Influence of Apples on Population Density, Body Weights, and Reproductive Organ Weights in Pine Voles

Authors

J. J. Hasbrouck, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
F. A. Servello, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
A. R. Tipton, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
R. L. Kirkpatrick, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

3-4-1981

Comments

Published in Proceedings of the Fifth Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium, Gettysburg, PA, March 4–5, 1981, Ross E. Byers, editor. Copyright © 1981 Hasbrouck, Servello, Tipton, and Kirkpatrick.

Abstract

Previous field studies at Virginia Tech have found differences in reproductive output of pine voles in abandoned and maintained orchards. Cengel et a1. (1978), trapping in northern Virginia, found higher levels of reproduction in a maintained orchard than in an abandoned orchard. The breeding season of voles extended into winter in the maintained orchard but ceased in late fall and winter in the abandoned orchard. Noffsinger (1976), working in orchards near Roanoke, Virginia, found a higher fatality rate in the maintained orchard and a year-round breeding season; however, the percentage of pregnant females declined in winter. Reproduction was lower in the abandoned orchard in late fall and winter with no pregnant females caught in March.