Mogollon Vole Species Description

Common Name: Mogollon Vole
Scientific Name: Microtus mogollonensis

Habitat: The Mogollon Vole primarily inhabits the mountain meadows and grasslands of the southwestern United States, particularly within the Mogollon Rim region of Arizona. This species prefers temperate habitats where grasses, sedges, and herbaceous plants are abundant, thriving in areas that provide ample cover from predators.

Physical Characteristics: The Mogollon Vole is relatively small, measuring between 6 to 8 inches in length, including the tail. Its fur is soft and dense, typically exhibiting a grayish-brown coloration with lighter undersides. Distinguishable features include small rounded ears, a short tail, and a robust body shape, making it well-adapted to its burrowing lifestyle. These characteristics aid in camouflage against predators in their native habitats.

Behavior: Mogollon Voles are primarily nocturnal and exhibit burrowing behaviors, creating extensive tunnel systems within their habitats. They are known for their social structure, often living in colonies. Their behavioral patterns include foraging for food at night and establishing territories that can overlap with other colonies, thereby promoting a complex social dynamic.

Diet: The diet of the Mogollon Vole mainly consists of grasses, seeds, roots, and various herbaceous plants. They are herbivorous, relying heavily on the abundant vegetation found in their mountain meadow surroundings. The food sources they prefer are crucial for their survival and reproduction, as well as for maintaining their population density.

Reproduction: Mogollon Voles typically breed from spring through early summer, with females capable of producing multiple litters each year. A litter usually consists of 3 to 8 offspring, which are born altricial and develop quickly. Notable behaviors during the breeding season include vocalizations to attract mates and territorial marking to establish dominance.

Conservation Status: The current conservation status of the Mogollon Vole is listed as “vulnerable” due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the species’ survival and to protect their natural habitats from urban development and agricultural practices.

Interesting Facts: One fascinating fact about the Mogollon Vole is its ability to adapt to various altitudes, from valley floors to high mountain meadows. They are also known for their impressive burrowing skills, often creating extensive underground networks that can extend over several hundred feet.

Role in Ecosystem: The Mogollon Vole plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both prey and contributor to soil health. As a food source for predators such as hawks, foxes, and snakes, they are integral to the food web. Additionally, their foraging activities aerate the soil and promote plant growth, benefiting other species within their habitat.