Influence of Vegetation Characteristics at and Near Nests on Female Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) Survival and Reproductive Success

Habitat features associated with nest locations can affect survival and reproductive success of individuals living at particular nest sites. In this study we analyzed vegetation associated with nests of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), living in 0.1 ha outdoor enclosures, and found they differed from plants at randomly selected locations. Although vegetation changed during the 15 wk study, vegetation at nests tended to provide cover (taller plants) or impede predators (thornier plants). Vegetation close to nests as well as in the habitat patch (enclosure) where the nest was located predicted female survival, pup survival, and female reproductive success. The number of pups produced per nest was not related to vegetation near nests but increased with increasing thorny vegetation within enclosures. Pup survival was greater when there was more woody vegetation near nests and more dicots within enclosures. Female survival was negatively associated with plant height at nests and woody vegetation within enclosures but positively related to preferred food plants within enclosures. Our results suggest fitness consequences resulting from vegetation near nests and on a larger spatial scale surrounding the nest could influence nest site selection in prairie voles.