Life-History Notes on Microtus pinetorum in Central Connecticut

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Abstract
Life-history information was obtained for the pine vole, Microtus pinetorum, in upland oak forests and lowland swamps from live- and snap-trap data during the period from 1963 to 1967. All data obtained pertain only to those animals active on the surface. Population densities fluctuated from 0 to 14.6 per hectare; most years density of pine voles paralleled the same general trend of the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. Only eight of the 228 individuals captured during the study occurred in swampy situations; 10 were trapped at the margin of uplands and swamps; the remainder were in well-drained uplands. Only 19.2 per cent of the voles were recaptured more than 2 months after their first capture. Two males survived 12 months and two females 10 months. the breeding season extended from mid-February to mid-November. Reproductive rate of the pine vole appears to be lower than that of most other voles. Daytime surface activity accounted for 46.2 per cent of the 221 captures in the live-trap study. There was no correlation between surface activity and temperature and humidity conditions. Other data pertaining to population structure, habitats, reproduction, weight, ectoparasites, home range diameters, and social interaction are presented also.