Long-tailed Vole

Long-tailed Vole
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Cricetidae
Genus:	Microtus
Species:	M. longicaudus
Binomial name
Microtus longicaudus (Merriam, 1888)

The Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) is a small vole found in western North America. The Coronation Island Vole, once considered to be a separate species, is now believed to be a subspecies.

They have short ears and a long tail. Their fur is grey brown with light grey underparts. They are 18 cm long with an 8 cm tail and weigh about 50 g.

These animals are found in alpine meadows and shrubby areas, often near streams, from Alaska to California. They feed on green plants in summer and roots and bark in winter, when they burrow under the snow. Predators include owls and mustelids.

The female vole has 1 to 3 litters of 4 to 8 young.

They are active year-round, usually during the day.

References

1. ^ Linzey, A.V. & NatureServe (Hammerson, G.) (2008). Microtus longicaudus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 22 June 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of last concern.