The Effect of Sigmodon Hispidus on Spatial and Temporal Activity of Microtus Ochrogaster: Evidence for Competition

Abstract

Spatial and temporal activities of cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, and prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, in an old-field habitat in northeast Kansas, USA were studied for 39 mo. During a major portion of the S. hispidus reproductive season the species were spatially segregated but co-occurred the rest of the year. Following a local extinction of cotton rats, prairie voles established a resident population in habitats formerly occupied by cotton rats that was greater than or equal to the vole population in areas which had never been occupied by cotton rats. Comparison of vole population size before and after the loss of cotton rats indicated that cotton rats produced a negative effect on vole population size during the period of spatial segregation but not during the period of spatial co-occurrence. Comparison of vole activity patterns indicated that, with the loss of cotton rats, voles shifted their activity during times when the species had co-occurred but not during periods when they were spatially segregated. Studies of behavioral interactions in a large (4 m x 4 m) arena with varying densities of vertical wires indicated that during single species tests voles and cotton rats preferred the densest areas. Their diel activity patterns were broadly overlapping. In the presence of nonreproductive cotton rats, voles continued to use the same areas as during the control tests but shifted their temporal activity reducing overlap with cotton rats. Interspecific encounters resujted in voles avoiding cotton rats even in the absence of overt aggression. In the presence of reproductive cotton rats, voles shifted their arena usage toward areas least used by cotton rats. Total nocturnal activity by voles was the same as during the control tests but was restricted to hours when cotton rats were least active. Reproductive cotton rats showed higher levels of interspecific aggression than did nonreproductive cotton rats. Voles in the presence of reproductive cotton rats showed increased frequency of serious wounds and deaths, and decreased mass when compared to voles in the presence of nonreproductive cotton rats. We conclude that cotton rats produce a negative effect on prairie vole populations but that the interaction is restricted to the cotton rats' reproductive season. Coexistence of the species appears to rely on the seasonality of the interaction, habitat heterogeneity, and the wider habitat tolerance of prairie voles.