Distribution of the Cabrera vole (Microtus cabrerae) in its first reportedareas reassessed by live trapping

The distribution and population parameters of the Cabrera vole (Microtus ca brerae), was assessed through live trapping in its first recorded distribut ion area (Sierra de Alcaraz, Albacete, Spain). Most sites sampled did not s how the presence of M. cabrerae, although a number of other rodents and shr ews were captured. In the only area where a stable population of M. cabrera e was found, the population density fluctuated from low numbers in winter t o spring densities similar to those of other rodents and shrews, which were similar to those reported in the literature. Distribution of this rodent w as very patchy at microscale. Some of the original sites could not be sampl ed as a result of conversion of the vole habitat into agricultural land, M. cabrerae might be more scarce and sensitive to habitat transformation than previously reported. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.