DIET OVERLAP OF COLLARED LEMMINGS AND TUNDRA VOLES AT PEARCE-POINT, NORTHWEST-TERRITORIES

Citation
Cm. Bergman et Cj. Krebs, DIET OVERLAP OF COLLARED LEMMINGS AND TUNDRA VOLES AT PEARCE-POINT, NORTHWEST-TERRITORIES, Canadian journal of zoology, 71(9), 1993, pp. 1703-1709
Citations number
26
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Zoology
Journal title
ISSN journal
0008-4301
Volume
71
Issue
9
Year of publication
1993
Pages
1703 - 1709
Database
ISI
SICI code
0008-4301(1993)71:9<1703:DOOCLA>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
We used a combination of faecal pellet analysis and feeding enclosure trials to determine the diets of collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx kilang miutak) and tundra voles (Microtus oeconomus) at Pearce Point, Northwe st Territories. and we looked for evidence of exploitative competition between the two species. Voles preferred monocotyledons (Carex and Er iophorum spp.) and lemmings preferred Dryas integrifolia. We found tha t there was little overlap in the natural diets of the two species, bu t that overlap was increased experimentally when both species were for ced to forage in the same habitats. However. food preferences generall y did not change. The diet of collared lemmings at Pearce Point was si milar to that found in all other studies except those done in Alaska, where Dryas is uncommon. We conclude that exploitative competition for food is unlikely to be an important factor in interspecific relations between collared lemmings and tundra voles.