Influence of weather conditions on the activity of the Common vole (Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1778, Cricetidae, Rodentia)

A detailed understanding of how weather influences the behavior of small mammals enhances our knowledge of species ecology and improves the interpretation of field study results. While the effect of weather on small mammal activity has long been recognized, research findings remain inconsistent, varying by species, season, and habitat. In the case of the Common vole, only a limited number of studies have examined this relationship, often focusing on a narrow range of weather parameters and yielding contradictory conclusions. This study aimed to investigate the influence of multiple weather factors on the activity (mainly nocturnal) of common voles in an open habitat during summer. To gather a sufficiently large dataset, an original technique for assessing small mammal activity by the footprint presence in systematically placed tracking devices was used. The study was conducted over one month across a 9-hectare area, where 961 tracking stations – each consisting of a plastic bottle, a tracking cartridge with waterproof ink, and bait – were deployed. The Common vole was confirmed as the dominant small mammal species in the study area through intensive trapping in the central part of the experimental plot. Over 10,571 device inspections and 6,910 vole visits were recorded. Weather data were recorded using an automatic weather station. The results demonstrated that wind, rain, higher temperatures, and increased humidity all contributed to greater activity in common voles. In contrast, elevated illumination levels reduced movement intensity. The methodology proved effective for obtaining large datasets to assess small mammal activity in monospecific communities.