Rodents in the European Alps: Population Ecology and Potential Impacts on Ecosystems

Abstract

Rodents have been extensively studied in most ecosystems of the world, and particularly so in northern regions (e.g. Hansson and Henttonen 1988; Stenseth and Ims 1993a; Reid et al. 1997). In the European Alps, however, relatively little is known about the population ecology of alpine rodent species, their role in shaping alpine ecosystems, and their interaction with vegetation growth and diversity. We review here some of the recent studies made on the three species of rodents living above the treeline in the European Alps: the alpine marmot(Marmota marmotaL.), the snow vole(Chionomys nivalisMartins), and the common vole(Microtus arvalisPallas). In particular, we discuss: (1) whether or not life history traits of alpine European rodents differ from those found in closely related species occurring in other alpine, northern or temperate environments; (2) the population dynamics and demography of these species and their potential consequences on ecosystem functioning; and (3) the consequences of changes in management practices and climate for these species.