Ward’s Red-backed Vole

Common Name: Ward’s Red-backed Vole
Scientific Name: Myodes gapperi

Habitat

Ward’s Red-backed Vole is primarily found in the moist, temperate forests of North America. This species inhabits regions such as Canada, the northern United States, and parts of Alaska. Preferring environments rich in underbrush and leaf litter, these voles thrive in areas with dense vegetation, often near wetlands, where they can easily find cover from predators.

Physical Characteristics

Ward’s Red-backed Vole measures approximately 14 to 20 cm in length, with a tail length of about 3 to 5 cm. This small rodent is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown stripe running down its back, contrasting against a grayish-brown underbelly. Its round body, short legs, and small ears give it a compact appearance. The fur is soft and dense, which provides insulation against cold weather.

Behavior

Ward’s Red-backed Vole is primarily nocturnal, exhibiting peak activity during twilight hours. They are skilled burrowers and often create extensive tunnel systems beneath the forest floor. Socially, these voles are typically solitary, but they may come together during breeding seasons. Their timid nature leads them to be elusive, often relying on camouflage and rapid burrowing to evade predators.

Diet

The diet of Ward’s Red-backed Vole consists mainly of herbaceous plants, seeds, roots, and mosses. As an important seed disperser in its ecosystem, this vole helps maintain the health of forest vegetation. During winter, their diet shifts to include more woody plants and bark, adapting to the seasonal landscape for survival.

Reproduction

Ward’s Red-backed Vole breeds primarily from late spring to early fall. The gestation period lasts about 20 to 25 days, resulting in litters of three to six offspring. Young voles are weaned after approximately three weeks but remain in close proximity to their mother until they are able to fend for themselves. This reproductive strategy allows for population growth ahead of winter.

Conservation Status

Currently, Ward’s Red-backed Vole is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, though it may face threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this species continues to thrive in its natural habitat.

Interesting Facts

1. Ward’s Red-backed Vole has an extraordinary sense of smell, which it uses to locate food and detect predators.
2. These voles can produce vocalizations to communicate with each other, which is relatively rare among rodents.

Role in Ecosystem

Ward’s Red-backed Vole plays a vital role in its ecosystem as both a herbivore and a prey species. By feeding on various plant materials, they contribute to plant growth and regeneration. As a food source for larger mammals and birds of prey, this vole is integral to the food web, maintaining ecological balance within forest environments.