Habitat selection in the Southern Bog Lemming, Synaptomys cooperi, and the Meadow Vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Virginia

Linzey, Alicia V.,and Jack A. Cranford.1984.Habitat selection in the Southern Bog Lemming, Synaptomys cooperi, and the Meadow Vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Virginia.Canadian Field-Naturalist 98(4): 463-469.Habitat of the Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys cooperi) was compared quantitatively with habitat of the Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) in Montgomery County, Virginia.Three study grids were located along a vegetation gradient from deciduous woodland / grass ecotone to old-field habitat.Determination of relative abundance of Microtus and Synaptomys and analysis of vegetation structure on these grids indicated that Synaptomys is found where ground cover is sparse and woody vegetation more abundant.Land-use practices that convert sparsely grassed woodland to pastures would adversely affect Synaptomys, although creation of clearings in forested areas would favor this species.