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| Factors influencing nest site selection by Blyth’s vole (Phaiomys leucurus) |
| WANG Zhenyu, LI Ye, ZHANG Xiang, SHI Lei |
| College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University |
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Abstract The key factors for nest site selection of Blyth's vole (Phaiomys leucurus) were analyzed in the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve, Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang. A total of 261 sample areas, each consisting of 5 m × 5 m quadrants, were selected between 2011 and 2013. Of these, 40 sample areas contained a vole nesting site. The degree of canopy cover, the number of plant species, vegetation cover, vegetation height, vegetation density, soil hardness, and distance to the nearest road were determined for each area. The Vanderloeg and Scavia Election Index, and Principle Component Analyses (PCA) were used to identify the principle components in habitat selection by Blyth’s vole. The results showed that there were highly significant differences in vegetation height and density, in the numbers of the plant species, and in soil hardness (P ?0.01) when comparing the nest sites and the random sites. According to Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the main factors affecting the nest site choice by Blyth’s vole were canopy cover, vegetation height, the number of differing plant species, and soil hardness. The Vanderloeg and Scavia Election Index indicated that Blyth’s vole prefers to burrow into areas with softer soil (3-4 kg/m2), areas whose vegetative microhabitat stands at a height of less than 8 cm, and areas with a section of low-lying canopy which provides hiding cover whose height is also less than 8 cm. Blyth’s vole preferred locations with fewer plant species, with canopy cover and vegetation low in height, and with softer soil.
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Corresponding Authors:
SHI Lei E-mail: shileixj@126.com
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2015, Vol. 35 
