Abstract
Selective feeding tests using the Japanese field vole (Microtus montebelli) were carried out on branch tips of broadleaved trees, Betula grossa, Quercus mongolia, Cornus controversa, Magnolia obovata, Phellodendron amurense, Fagus crenata, Acanthopanax sciadophylloides, Viburnum furcatum, Lindera umbellata, Acer micranthum, Prunus grayana and Sorbus commixta in outdoor pens on June and July, 1996. From the result, the vole preferred branch tips in order of tree species, S. commixta, P. grayana, A. sciadophylloides, V. furcatum, L. umbellata, A. micranthum, F. crenata, P. amurense, M. obovata, C. controversa, Q. mongolia, B. grossa and selective feeding by the vole was recognized among these tree species. In other words, S. commixta was most preferred among them and F. crenata, P. amurense, M. obovata and C. controversa were moderately. On the other hand, B. grossa was suffered quite little and many branch tips of this species were without any damage in such a feeding outdoor pen. Taking into account these results, it was strongly suggested that the herbivorous vole also has a important role in the regeneration of broadleaved trees in Japanese woodlands.
