Effect of conspecifics on winter movements and dispersion in an overwintering bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) population

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Abstract
Patterns of movements and dispersion were studied in a population of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, during two winters near Uppsala, Sweden. Forty-one percent of the individuals studied were involved in multiple captures. However, multiple captures accounted for only 2% of all captures. Males and females were most often caught together in multiple captures. An overlap in home range was more pronounced in females than in males during winter. The reverse was observed during the reproductive season. An increase in mean distance, calculated for neighbours within 40 m of the center of activity, was observed among persistent females from October to May. Statistically significant differences were obtained when mean distances were compared between females still present in the trapping area in May who then produced young and females trapped up to April but not thereafter. Thus, early access to optimally spaced, high quality home ranges may be important for reproductive success in spring. Extensive overlapping of female home ranges in winter at low population density may be a consequence of habitat conditions.