Spatiotemporal distribution of burrows of common vole in agriculture landscapes

Abstract

Knowledge about spatial structure of populations is fundamental in Ecology, particularly in pest-species for its consequences on the dynamic of metapopulations and their management. Microtusarvalis is considered a pest-species that frequently produces agricultural damages in vast areas of Europe. Our goal is studying the spatiotemporal distribution of burrows of common vole in 8 circular study areas (200m of radius) situated in agricultural areas of Castilla y Leon (Spain). We geo-referenced and measured size (number of entrances) and activity of more than 9500 burrows during three different sampling seasons (sprint, summer and autumn) during 2012. We also examined the relationship between the crop type and management of the crops fields and linear elements of the agricultural landscapes (field edges with wild vegetation). We use Kernel density estimator (KDE) and spatiotemporal pointspatterns analysis. The results show the importance of the kind of crop and management in the spatiotemporal distribution of common vole populations. Specific elements of landscapes as margins and perennial crops (e.g. alfalfa) could be considered source areas from where common vole could colonize empty habitats. Our results allow us to propose management actions destined to pest control of spatial structured population of this species.