A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Do delayed effects of overgrazing explain population cycles in voles?
Authors: Klemola T, Norrdahl K, Korpimaki E
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Publication year: 2000
Journal: Oikos
Journal name in source: OIKOS
Journal acronym: OIKOS
Volume: 90
Issue: 3
First page : 509
Last page: 516
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 0030-1299
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0706.2000.900309.x
Abstract
Theoretical models predict that delayed density-dependent processes with a time-lag of approximately nine months are sufficient to generate regular 3-5 year fluctuations in densities of northern small rodents. To examine whether this time-lag could be generated by plant-herbivore interactions, we studied delayed effects of overgrazed food plants on voles. We introduced field voles (Microtus agrestis) in four large predator-proof enclosures that had suffered heavy grazing during the preceding autumn and winter, and compared them with voles introduced to previously ungrazed control areas. We found no detrimental effects of previous grazing on population growth, reproduction or body condition of voles. Chemical analyses did not show consistent effects of grazing on nutritional components of common food plants (grasses). These results suggest that short-term population cycles of Microtus voles in grassland habitats are not primarily driven by delayed effects of plant-herbivore interactions.
Theoretical models predict that delayed density-dependent processes with a time-lag of approximately nine months are sufficient to generate regular 3-5 year fluctuations in densities of northern small rodents. To examine whether this time-lag could be generated by plant-herbivore interactions, we studied delayed effects of overgrazed food plants on voles. We introduced field voles (Microtus agrestis) in four large predator-proof enclosures that had suffered heavy grazing during the preceding autumn and winter, and compared them with voles introduced to previously ungrazed control areas. We found no detrimental effects of previous grazing on population growth, reproduction or body condition of voles. Chemical analyses did not show consistent effects of grazing on nutritional components of common food plants (grasses). These results suggest that short-term population cycles of Microtus voles in grassland habitats are not primarily driven by delayed effects of plant-herbivore interactions.
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