From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii)

Abstract

Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent-attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies.

Mammal endemism In Italy: A review

“…It is a Sicilian endemic, widespread across the entire island (Fig. 2) and locally considered a pest (Ranchelli et al 2016). It seems to be missing from the slopes of Etna.…”

“…11) and it occurs marginally in southern Switzerland. The southernmost distribution limits required additional studies because the species may be replaced in central Italy by M. brachycercus , Ranchelli et al 2016). This species resulted karyotypically different from M. brachycercus and male hybrids between the two species are steriles (see account for the sister species M. brachycercus).…”

Consistent demographic trends in Savi's pine vole between two distant areas in central Italy

“…One of the least studied European species is the Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii), the most widespread vole species of Italy (Ranchelli et al 2016). The habitat of Savi's pine voles mainly consists in grasslands, ecotonal areas, fallow fields, banks of ditches and canals, as well as agricultural crops and orchards (Cagnin & Grasso 1999, Capizzi & Santini 2007).…”

“…To date, few studies have investigated the biology of the Savi's pine vole, and no information is available regarding demographic structure (as reviewed by Ranchelli et al 2016). Only anecdotal observations (Contoli 2008) have suggested that Savi's pine vole populations densities may exhibit both multiannual and seasonal fluctuations, although extreme cyclical population outbreaks are not reported as it happens for common voles (Microtus arvalis) (Jacob & Tkadlec 2010).…”

“…Our data should be useful for planning and developing efficient control strategies for this species known as a pest (e.g. Jacob 2013, Ranchelli et al 2016).…”