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Concept
Prairie vole
Summary
The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is a small vole found in central North America.
The vole has long, coarse grayish-brown fur on the upper portion of the body and yellowish fur on the lower portion of the body. It has short ears and a short tail, which is somewhat darker on top. Prairie voles rarely live longer than one or two years. Their life expectancy is based on predator presence and natural factors in their area of inheritance.
The prairie vole's scientific name, Microtus ochrogaster, is derived from Latin; the genus name translates to "small ear", and the specific epithet translates to "yellow belly".
They are found in grasslands in the central United States and Canada; ranging from the eastern Rocky Mountains in the west to West Virginia in the east and into the Canadian Prairies to the north.
An isolated relict subspecies was once known from the Western Gulf coastal grasslands in Texas and Louisiana, named the Louisiana vole; it were reportedly abundant in the 1900s, but is now considered extinct, making the prairie vole extirpated from Louisiana.
The prairie vole resides in dry fields that contain a cover of grasses and weeds; the largest populations are typically found in fallow fields or hay fields. Prairie voles make shallow burrows and runways through surface vegetation. In winter, they tunnel underneath the snow. Their runways are used for many purposes, from predator protection to obtaining food. Prairie voles are easily disturbed. They will not hesitate to use their burrows if they notice predators close by or disturbances that pose a threat. Compared to the meadow vole, prairie voles prefer to inhabit drier areas.
Prairie voles are active year-round. In colder weather, they tend to be more active during the day; at other times, they are mainly nocturnal. Prairie voles live in colonies and have been known to exhibit human-like social behavior in groups.
Prairie voles are noted for pair bonding with their partners. The male prairie vole has continuous contact with its female counterpart, which lasts for all of their lives.
Official source
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