Distribution and habitat of the dark red-backed vole Clethrionomys rex in Japan

Abstract

The dark red-backed vole Clethrionomys rex is widely distributed in Hokkaido and on the adjacent islands such as Rishiri and Rebun, Japan. In Hokkaido, the vole species is recorded from the Kitami and Yubari mountains, the Shiribeshi Volcanic Plateau, the Youtei Volcanoes, and the Oshima Mountains, as well as from the Daisetsu, Hidaka, and Teshio mountains. This species occurs in wooded, montane areas ranging from 20 m to 1900 m in altitude in Hokkaido, whereas it commonly occurs in various habitats on the islands of Rebun and Rishiri.