Reproduction in Laboratory Colonies of Bank Vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, Originating from Populations with Different Degrees of Cyclicity

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Abstract
Reproduction in 2 laboratory colonies of bank vole, C. glareolus (Schreb.), established with animals from the increase phase of a strongly cyclic population was compared with that in a colony originating from a relatively stable population. Most reproductive variables were influenced by the same factors in the cyclic and non-cyclic animals, but considerable quantitative differences were seen. The cyclic animals were heavier, had larger litters and faster growth of young. Survival of young was much lower and the intervals between litters were longer in cyclic animals. The results are discussed in relation to reproductive differences between the original populations and in relation to a current hypothesis of evolution of different reproductive rates in populations with different degrees of cyclicity.