Cj. Redpath et al., EVALUATION OF METHODS TO ESTIMATE FIELD VOLE MICROTUS-AGRESTIS ABUNDANCE IN UPLAND HABITATS, Journal of zoology, 237, 1995, pp. 49-55
Field vole abundance was assessed on a range of upland habitats in spr
ing and autumn, using live-trapping, snap-trapping and vole sign index
methods. Three estimates of vole numbers were derived from live-trapp
ing, five from snap-trapping and one from vole signs. Estimates were c
ompared using a correlation matrix in order to establish the most accu
rate and consistent method. Snap-trapping for five nights provided eno
ugh information to calculate vole density, though the method was time
consuming. Vole abundance indices derived from two nights' snap-trappi
ng were significantly correlated with indices from five nights' trappi
ng. Live-trapping and vole sign index were discounted as methods for t
his study area, as both proved unreliable.