Homing and space activity in bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus

Abstract

Spatial activity and homing of bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber, 1780) have been studied in the 100 years old alder wood (Carici elongatae-Alnetum Koch, 1926) in the Kampinos National Park near Warsaw. Six parallel trap lines of 600 m each were set. Each of external lines consisted of 100 live-traps. Between the two lines, 4 lines of 200 snap-traps in each were set at 100 m intervals. Individuals caught in live-traps were individually marked and released in the centre of the study area. During the study 613 bank voles were marked and 424 recaptures were recorded. Considerable mobility of animals was found (a high proportion of animals moved more than 600 m). Distribution of animals retrapped made it possible to determine hypothetical spatial patterns of homing. It is suggested that familiarity with the given area acquired during long distance movements help small mammals to find their way when homing regardless of the nature of homing.