Metapopulations of the Montane and Long-tailed Voles, and Hantavirus and Plague in the Jackson Hole Small Mammal Community

Authors(s): F. Jannett, Jr.

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

Location:

Abstract: Objectives The objectives of the long-term research on metapopulations of voles are to elucidate patterns in survivorship, reproduction, and morphology across sections of the metapopulations at sites representing primary habitat, secondary habitat, and proximate and isolated habitat patches. The objectives of the research on hantavirus and plague are to ascertain the extent of these among different species, within sections of the metapopulations of voles, over time, and across changing population numbers, and to assess the potential for human contact with the small mammal reservoirs and the diseases. Findings and Status Numbers of montane voles in October increased over 1996 numbers in three of four primary habitat sites. Among peripheral and secondary habitat sites, vole numbers decreased at six sites and there were no voles again at two sites. There was very extensive breeding in October; at 10 sites, each with one or more parous females, the percent of parous females still pregnant, lactating, or recently lactating averaged 92%. Numbers of long-tailed voles in October declined from 1996 numbers at six of the seven sites with this species. Results are not yet available for incidence of plague. Specimens of 15 species were examined serologically for hantavirus. Hantavirus was found in October in one Tamias amoenus (first in this study) and in voles (9.9% among Microtus montanus, 5.3% among M. pennsylvanicus); one positive M. montanus was secured at a site where no previous positive vole had been secured. All Peromyscus maniculatus which tested positive were secured in May, in and around buildings, including two sites where positive P. maniculatus had not previously been secured. Specimens secured are in the biology collection of the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Keywords: breeding, population, mortality, montane vole, long-tailed vole, Microtus montanus, Microtus longicaudus, M. pennsylvanicus, Peromyscus maniculatus, animal, mammal, vole, Muridae, Cricetidae, disease, hantavirus, plague, habitat, breeding, Jackson Hole, Teton County, Grand Teton National Park, John D Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, human activity