Prediction of the body mass of the bank vole Myodes glareolus from skull measurements

Abstract

Regression equations were computed for determining body mass from skull measurements from 376 bank vole (Myodes glareolus) individuals trapped in seven sites of Lithuania during 1999-2005. The obtained linear and multiple regressions explained 38-58% of the body mass variation. The applicability of regressions was checked on 92 additional specimens. The error of the prediction of the body mass of bank voles was 1.2-4.4%. The obtained equations improve the accuracy of evaluation of biomass consumed and widen possibilities for the analysis of material containing small mammal skull remains. The method is applicable to investigations on the feeding ecology of owls and other myophagous birds.