Understanding the cyclic populations of the short-tailed field vole in the UK using long term experimental data

MattDopson

Newcastle University

"Understanding the cyclic populations of the short-tailed field vole in the UK using long term experimental data"

The short-tailed field vole (microtus agrestis) is the most abundant mammal in the UK, with populations reaching up to 80 million individuals. However, voles experience huge fluctuations in population numbers with up to a tenfold change over the course of regular 3.5 year cycles. Previous research has aimed to understand the mechanics behind these oscillations, but most of this work focuses on tundra regions. The ongoing Glen Finglas grazing experiment spans over 20 years, focusing on how managing grazing pressures affects various groups of species - including voles - in the more temperate upland acid grasslands of Scotland. Here, I will first present new data analysis on the Glen Finglas experiment, in particular the relationship between voles and the vegetation they use as a food source and shelter. I will then show how this data can be used to create and fit a mathematical model, capturing the vole's complex life history and interactions. Understanding these small animals is important as they are a key prey species for many predators and can also cause massive damage to plants and tree saplings. This mathematical model furthers our understanding of vole dynamics in temperate regions.
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