Radde’s Vole

Common Name: Radde’s Vole
Scientific Name: Microtus (Phaiomys) hyperboreus

Habitat

Radde’s Vole, primarily found in the cold regions of northeastern Asia and parts of northern Europe, inhabits **tundra** and **subarctic** environments. This species prefers wet, grassy areas near **streams**, **marshes**, and **fen** habitats, where dense vegetation provides cover and food. Geographic locations include **Siberia**, **Mongolia**, and northern regions of **Kazakhstan** and **Spain**.

Physical Characteristics

Radde’s Vole is a small rodent, typically measuring about **8 to 10 inches** in length, including the tail. Its fur ranges from **light brown** to **dark gray**, often featuring a lighter underbelly. The vole has robust, stocky bodies with short legs, small ears, and a slightly flattened head. One distinctive feature of Radde’s Vole is its **large, protruding front teeth**, which are well-adapted for gnawing on vegetation.

Behavior

Radde’s Vole is known for its **social behavior**, often found in colonies. These voles are primarily **nocturnal**, becoming active during the night to forage and escape from predators. They display territorial behaviors, and males often engage in **vocalizations** to establish dominance. During the day, they can be found burrowing into the soft soil or nesting beneath grasses.

Diet

The diet of Radde’s Vole consists mainly of **grasses**, **sedges**, and various **herbaceous plants** found in their wetland habitats. They are herbivorous and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping maintain the plant community. Their seasonal foraging habits vary as they adapt to the availability of food sources throughout the year.

Reproduction

Radde’s Vole has a notable breeding season, which often occurs from **May to September**. Females can give birth to multiple litters per season, producing **3 to 8 offspring** each time. The young are typically weaned after a few weeks and reach sexual maturity within **2 to 3 months**, which facilitates rapid population growth in favorable conditions.

Conservation Status

As of the latest assessments, Radde’s Vole is classified as **Vulnerable** due to habitat loss and changes in environmental conditions. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and monitoring populations to prevent further decline.

Interesting Facts

Radde’s Vole is lesser-known compared to other species of voles, making it a subject of interest for researchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Their **unique burrowing behavior** allows them to create intricate tunnel systems, which can significantly impact the local vegetation and soil quality.

Role in Ecosystem

Radde’s Vole plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a herbivore that affects plant growth through grazing. Furthermore, they serve as a food source for various predators, including **birds of prey** and **mammals**, illustrating their importance in the food web. By affecting plant composition and serving as prey, Radde’s Vole contributes significantly to ecological balance in its habitat.