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The 'Prairie Vole', '''Microtus ochrogaster''', is a small vole found in central North America.
These animals have long, coarse greyish-brown fur on the upperparts and yellowish underparts. They have short ears and a short tail, somewhat darker on top. They are 15 cm long with a 3 cm tail and weigh about 67 g.
They are found in grasslands in the central United States and the Canadian prairies. These animals make fairly shallow underground burrows and runways through the surface vegetation. In winter, they tunnel underneath the snow. They live in colonies.
They feed on grasses, roots, fruit, seeds and bark. Food is stored in their burrows. Predators include coyotes, hawks, owls, foxes and snakes. They may cause damage to garden plants and small trees.
The female vole has 2 to 4 litters of 2 to 7 young in a nest lined with vegetation in an underground burrow or in a depression on the ground.
M. ochrogaster, is a notable animal model for sexual fidelity, since the male is usually faithful to the female, and shares in the raising of pups. This is discussed more fully in the vole article.
They are active year-round. In colder weather, they tend to be more active during the day; at other times, they are mainly nocturnal.
Prarie voles have been known to exhibit human-like social behavior in groups.^[1]

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References

★ Microsatellite instability generates diversity in brain and sociobehavioral traits, Hammock EA, Young LJ, , , Science, 2005

★ Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 2005. Superfamily Muroidea. Pp. 894-1531 ''in'' Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
1. "Peptide Shown To Regulate Social Behavior Has Positive Impact On Cardiac Response Following Social Isolation" , Medical News Today.

External links

★ Mammals of Texas

★ Genetics of Monogamy