Les peuplements de micromammifères le long des autoroutes: Inventaire faunistique et exemples d'occupation par Microtus arvalis (Pallas)

Abstract

Small mammal samplings made along different divided highway segments on the Swiss Plateau showed the following predominant species: the common vole, M. arvalis, to which can be attributed the larger part of damage to tree and shrub plantations, the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, the greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula, the northern mole, Talpa europaea and the water vole, Arvicola terrestris scherman. The relative abundance of these species, their geographical repartition and their distribution in the different habitats are described. The spatial distribution of M. arvalis on an embankment and on the median strip was studied with the CMR[capture, mark, recapture] method, and by tracking radioactively tagged animals. Activity centers and homes ranges are presented and discussed.