The effect of increased food supply on the body growth-rate and survival of bank voles in an island population
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Published source details
Banach K. (1986) The effect of increased food supply on the body growth-rate and survival of bank voles in an island population. Acta Theriologica, 31, 45-54.
Published source details Banach K. (1986) The effect of increased food supply on the body growth-rate and survival of bank voles in an island population. Acta Theriologica, 31, 45-54.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival
A before-and-after study in 1966–1969 and 1973–1974 on a forested island in Lake Beldany, Poland (Banach 1986) found that when supplementary food was provided, the abundance, body weight and survival of bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus was higher. Annual peak vole abundance was higher in years when food was provided (835–1,068 individuals) than when no food was provided (157–368 individuals). The average body weight of young voles (3–9 weeks old) was higher in years when food was provided (17.2 g) than when they were not fed (13.9 g). The survival of individuals to autumn in the year they were born was higher in years when food was provided (49%) than when voles were not fed (8–42%). Voles were live-trapped every six weeks from spring to autumn 1966–1969 and 1973–1974, in five 10–14-day trapping sessions/year. Two to five traps baited with oats were set at each of 159 trapping locations and checked twice daily. From spring 1973 to autumn 1974, a total of 159 boxes with 3 kg of oats each were distributed 15 m apart across the 4-ha island, next to trapping sites. Boxes were replaced when half the oats had been consumed, but were removed during trapping.
(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)
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