Marie’s Vole: An In-Depth Species Description

Common Name: Marie’s Vole
Scientific Name: Microtus mariae

Habitat

Marie’s Vole is primarily found in the damp meadows and wetlands of Europe, particularly in countries such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This species thrives in areas abundant with dense grasses and sedges, which provide both food and shelter. Preferring lowland regions, Marie’s Vole is often associated with riparian habitats and grassy plains, where moisture levels remain high, supporting their lifestyle.

Physical Characteristics

Marie’s Vole typically measures about 12 to 18 cm in length, including the tail. Their fur is a rich brown to gray color, offering excellent camouflage among the grasses and wetlands. They have a robust body, short legs, and a distinctive rounded face. One of the most notable features of Marie’s Vole is its small, rounded ears and large, dark eyes, which enhance their ability to see in low light conditions.

Behavior

Marie’s Vole is primarily a nocturnal species, exhibiting most of its activity during the night. These voles are known for their burrowing behaviors, creating intricate tunnel systems under the ground where they find shelter from predators. They are also social creatures, often living in colonies, which allows them to communicate through a series of high-pitched sounds. Their territorial instincts lead them to mark their domain with scent glands, establishing boundaries within their habitat.

Diet

The diet of Marie’s Vole mainly consists of grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants. They are herbivorous and primarily feed on the green shoots and roots of plants found in their wetland habitats. During winter months, when food sources are scarce, Marie’s Vole may also consume bark and fallen leaves, showcasing their adaptive feeding habits that enable survival in varying conditions.

Reproduction

Marie’s Vole breeds primarily during the spring and summer months, with a gestation period of about three weeks. Females typically give birth to 3 to 6 offspring per litter, which are born blind and hairless. As they mature, the young voles remain with their mother for several weeks before venturing out to establish their own territories. Breeding can occur multiple times throughout the year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.

Conservation Status

Currently, Marie’s Vole is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ due to threats from habitat destruction and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their natural habitats, as these environmental changes have led to a significant decline in their population numbers.

Interesting Facts

One fascinating fact about Marie’s Vole is their ability to store food within their burrows for later consumption, a behavior that demonstrates their resourcefulness. Additionally, they are known for their unique chirping vocalizations that serve as communication tools among colony members.

Role in Ecosystem

Marie’s Vole plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by contributing to soil aeration through their burrowing activities, which enhances plant growth. Furthermore, they serve as a vital food source for various predators, such as birds of prey and small mammals, thereby maintaining the balance within their food web. Their foraging habits also aid in seed dispersal, promoting biodiversity within their habitats.