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Conservation Status
Conservation Status
Red Tree Voles are classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List due to their dependency on at-risk old growth forests (Scheuering 2018, Corn and Bury 1986, Swingle, et al. 2010, Maser 1981). They are also less resiliant than many other vole species due to fragmented populations, slow growth rate, and small litter size (Swingle, et al. 2010, Maser 1981). Populations are decreasing, primarily due to habitat fragmentation caused by logging (Scheuering 2018).
Figure 1. Range of North Coast Population. Note: map depicts only the extent of the Oregon range; populations extend into northwestern California
Red Tree voles are an important species in the food web of old-growth forests in Oregon. They are the second most important prey item for the endangered Wester Spotted Owl, among other predators (Forsman et al. 1984, Swingle et al. 2010).
Conservation strategies include leaving 4-ha protective circle around identified nest trees as well as protecting areas identified as high-priority sites to avoid destruction or disturbance of critical habitats (Rosenberg et al. 2016).
The North Oregon Coast population (Figure 1, range in green) is under particular threat. It was identified as a distinct population in 2011 and considered suitable for inclusion under the Endangered Species Act.
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