Investigation of Spacing Behaviour of Clethrionomys gapperi by Experimentation

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Abstract
(1) The importance of spacing behaviour in affecting density of mature Clethrionomys gapperi was determined by removal experiments and by manipulation of densities of mature and immature individuals within enclosures. (2) Removal of mature female voles from a 4-ha plot resulted in increased maturation rate of young females and acquisition by them of home ranges. (3) Manipulation of densities of mature voles in enclosures indicated that mature voles at high density prevented immature voles from maturing. (4) At a high density of mature voles in enclosures, survival of immature voles was also low. (5) I conclude that density of mature females was limited by spacing behaviour.