PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status	Animal Group

Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum)

State Status: SC/N

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S2

Global Rank: G5

Wildlife Action Plan: SGCN

Photo by Mike Mossman

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum), a Special Concern species in Wisconsin, is found primarily in the southern half of the state. They have reddish-brown dorsal fur with silver-white ventral fur, a very short tail, and small eyes. They are found in deciduous or mixed hardwood-conifer forests with well-drained soils and dense leaf litter where they spend much of their life in tunnels and burrows. Their diet consists largely of plant matter and includes roots and stems but also fruit and seeds when in season and likely grubs and worms. The breeding season lasts from late-March into the fall. They are active year-round both day and night within their burrow systems. See the species guidance document for avoidance measures and management guidance from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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