An index method of estimating relative population densities of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) at landscape scale

Many issues in fundamental and applied ecology require the use of sampling protocols at the sectoral or even regional scales at which many important e cological mechanisms occur. The lack of workable sampling methods at these scales is a major obstacle to the analysis and understanding of these mecha nisms. We test the validity of an index method of estimating relative popul ation densities, applicable along transects of several kilometers in length , for a population of Common Voles (Microtus arvalis). The results show tha t the index method of estimating relative density is well adapted for monit oring variations in the abundance and spatial distribution of Common Vole p opulations and authorizes studies for a wide range of objectives and spatia l scales.