Characteristics of tree damage by the grey red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae) in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

In deciduous forests, tree seeds and seedlings are frequently exposed to high predation by small rodents, and this predation can have an important effect on forest regeneration. However, damage to large trees by small rodents has not been studied, except for damage observed during timber production. To determine factors affecting damage to large trees by the grey red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae), the characteristics and spatial patterns of tree damage by voles at vole wintering sites were examined over 3 years in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido. This study found that the location of damaged trees was related to vole wintering sites. Vole damage was affected by tree species. Damaged trees were heavily concentrated in small areas. Leaning trees and trees that had suffered previous damage were more likely to be damaged. However, the diameter at breast height was not significantly related to vole damage. These differences in susceptibility to vole damage may result in different tree mortality.

Keywords:

• Deciduous forest
• Grey red-backed vole
• Tree characteristics
• Vole damage
• Vole wintering sites

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the field assistance of H. Satoh, T. Ooya, and the staff of the experimental forest operation section. We would like to thank Dr N. Akashi for his advice on the statistics. We acknowledge helpful comments of anonymous reviewers and editor.