Red Tree Vole

Red Tree Vole (Arborimus longicaudus)

Quick Stats

Length: 158-206mm

Weight: 25-47g

Range: Oregon and California

Habitat: Conifer forests

Lifestyle: arboreal


Source: Natural History of Oregon Coast Mammals

Summary

Description

The red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) is an arboreal species of rodent in the subfamily Arvicolinae (voles, lemmings, and muskrats). The genus Arborimus, or tree voles, is characterized by a primarily arboreal and solidary lifestyle (Swingle, et al. 2010). Longicaudus is derrived from the latin words meaning "long-tailed" (Maser 1981).

Appearance

Red tree voles are named for their predominatly red fur, although populations vary from red-brown to orange-red. Their coat is soft, thick and longer than many rodent species (Maser 1981, Carraway 1998).

Range & Habitat

Red tree voles are endemic to conifer forests in the pacific northwest, primarily in Oregon although the southern extend includes a portion of northwest California (Maser 1981, Carraway 1998, Green 2004). These conifer forests dominate in the cascade range, coast range, and klamath mountains (Meiselman and Doyle 1996, Carraway 1998) . They are most common in mature Douglas Fir forests, although they also inhabit Redwoods, Grand Fit, and Sitka Spruce-dominant forests. However, they are closely tied to Douglas Firs and are only present in other forests if sufficient Douglas Firs are present (Maser 1981, Meiselman and Doyle 1996, Carraway 1998). Several researchers have found a relationship between red tree vole abundance and forest humidity, suggesting perhaps that red tree voles require moisture on needles as a water supply (Corn and Bury 1986, Meiselman and Doyle 1996).