Estimation of population density of the common vole in Poland: an analysis of owl pellets

Abstract

With 1 Fig.], On the basis of 804 samples of the barn owl and the tawny owl pellets from the whole area of Poland estimation was made of relative density of the common vole. A verage population density of M. arvalis was worked out using the square networks of 2,500 km2 of the UTM system. Mean density values was graded as follows: 0-19% low; 20-39% medium; 40-59% high; over 60% very high. The western and south-w estern parts of Poland are distinguished by a high and very high density of the common vole population. In the remaining parts of Poland the high density value is reserved for some of territorial enclaves. Medium and low density of M. arvalis population is charac teristic for the rest part of Poland. Similar results has been obtained by other authors using the questionnaire method. [