Invasion of the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) in southeastern Kentucky and its possible impact on the southern bog lemming (Synaptomys cooperi)

James J. Krupa, Kristin E. Haskins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Robinson Forest is a 4450-ha eastern deciduous forest located in southeastern Kentucky on the Cumberland Plateau. Historically, the southern bog lemming (Synaptomys cooperi) was the dominant microtine rodent in forest clearings. However, within the last 15 yr, the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) has expanded its range southward into southeastern Kentucky and has invaded clearings in Robinson Forest. Recent trapping efforts revealed that M. pennsylvanicus was the most abundant microtine in clearings, accounting for 48% of all small mammals caught. It invaded an isolated, grass-dominated clearing within 3 yr of tree removal. By contrast, S. cooperi was the most rarely caught small mammal in these clearings and tended to occupy herb-dominated clearings where fewer M. pennsylvanicus occurred. Synaptomys cooperi has become rarer since the arrival of M. pennsylvanicus, possibly due to competitive exclusion. Extensive deforestation, coupled with a 50-yr period of climatic cooling, may have led to the range expansion of M. pennsylvanicus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-22
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Midland Naturalist
Volume135
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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