Microhabitat Selection in Two Sympatric Species of Voles, Clethrionomys rex and Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae

Abstract

Microhabitat selection in two closely related sympatric species of Clethrionomys, C. rex and C. rufocanus bedfordiae, was examined in a forest in northern Hokkaido, Japan. Multivariate analysis revealed that discrimination in the use of microhabitats was dominated by vegetational and topographic variables (correlation ratio=0.681). C. rex was commoner than C. rufocanus in valley bottoms and on rather moderate slopes, with mixed undergrowth of Sasa bamboos and herbage. In spite of differential use of microhabitats by males and females, individual voles were segregated interspecifically rather than intraspecifically.