Prairie vole

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Prairie vole
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The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is a small vole found in central North America. It is known for its monogamous social behavior, which is relatively rare among mammals. This species has been extensively studied in the fields of neuroscience, behavioral ecology, and endocrinology due to its unique social bonding and reproductive behaviors.

Description

Prairie voles are small rodents with a body length of 14 to 17 cm and a tail length of 3 to 4 cm. They have a dense, soft fur that is typically brownish-gray on the back and lighter on the belly. Their ears are small and rounded, and they have a blunt snout.

Habitat and Distribution

Prairie voles inhabit grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields across the central United States, from the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachian Mountains. They prefer areas with dense ground cover to protect them from predators.

Behavior

Prairie voles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, roots, seeds, and occasionally insects. They are known for their complex social structures and are one of the few mammalian species that form long-term pair bonds. Both males and females participate in raising their young, and they often form communal groups with other family units.

Social Bonding

The prairie vole is a model organism for studying social bonding due to its monogamous nature. Research has shown that the neurotransmitters oxytocin and vasopressin play crucial roles in the formation and maintenance of pair bonds in prairie voles. These findings have implications for understanding human social behaviors and disorders.

Reproduction

Prairie voles breed throughout the year, with peaks in the spring and fall. Females have a gestation period of about 21 days and can produce multiple litters per year, each consisting of 2 to 7 young. The young are weaned at around 21 days of age.

Conservation Status

The prairie vole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, habitat destruction and changes in land use can impact local populations.

Research Significance

Prairie voles are significant in scientific research due to their unique social behaviors. Studies on prairie voles have provided insights into the biological basis of social attachment and have implications for understanding autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and other conditions affecting social behavior in humans.

Also see

• Meadow vole
• Oxytocin
• Monogamy in animals
• Rodent