Investigations on the Ecology of Eurasian Water Vole, Arvicola amphibius (Rodentia: Mammalia) in Ankara Province

Abstract

The population dynamics of Arvicola amphibius were investigated in Ayas (Ankara, Turkey), during the period between August 2005 and July 2006. The method of capture-mark-recapture was used and 123 individuals were marked during the study. For each animal, total body length, body weight, reproductive condition, as well as features of habitat were recorded. The width of the riparian vegetation was measured by ranging from 1 to 5 m. The reproductive period lasted from March to October. In adult females, the total length varied from 306 mm to 321 mm, while in adult males, it varied from 305 mm to 326 mm, it was compared with other populations. Estimated monthly population size of the water voles ranged from 3 in January to 49 in July.