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Delayed maturation in female bank voles: optimal decision or social constraint?

  1. Anne-Caroline Prévot-Julliard1,2,
  2. Heikki Henttonen2,3,
  3. Nigel G. Yoccoz2,4,
  4. Nils ChR. Stenseth1,2

Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.1999.00307.x

Issue

Journal of Animal Ecology

Journal of Animal Ecology

Volume 68, Issue 4, pages 684–697, July 1999

Additional Information

How to Cite

Prévot-Julliard, A.-C., Henttonen, H., Yoccoz, N. G. and Stenseth, N. ChR. (1999), Delayed maturation in female bank voles: optimal decision or social constraint?. Journal of Animal Ecology, 68: 684–697. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.1999.00307.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Division of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, PO Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo;

  2. 2

    Centre for Advanced Study, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Drammensveien 78, N-0271 Oslo, Norway;

  3. 3

    Finnish Forest Research Institute, PO Box 18, FIN-01301 Vantaa, Finland; and

  4. 4

    Division of Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9005 Tromsø, Norway

* Dr N. C. Stenseth, Division of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22854584/22854561. Fax: +47-22854605 (attn Stenseth). E-mail: n.c.stenseth@bio.uio.no

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 DEC 2001
  2. Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001

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Keywords:

  • capture–mark–recapture (CMR) statistical modelling;
  • Clethrionomys;
  • food addition experiment;
  • population cycles;
  • survival

1. Density, maturation and survival of female bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) in the northern taiga of Finnish Lapland were studied using long-term capture–mark–recapture data from two large grids, one food-addition grid and one control grid, in 1982–94.

2. The density on the food grid was consistently higher than the density on the control grid.

3. Females born early in the breeding season usually matured, except at very high densities. Those born later in the summer season commonly delayed maturation to the following spring.

4. Winter survival of sub-adult (having delayed maturation) females was significantly higher than survival of adult (breeding) females. However, empirical values of sub-adult and adult survival, as well as difference between them, were not consistent with survival values assumed in theoretical models on optimal deferred breeding.

5. There was a density-dependent relationship between the maturation rate of young voles and the density of already established breeding females (both bank voles and all Clethrionomys together; C. rutilus and C. rufocanus occasionally occurred on the study grids). This density dependence was different for the two grids (weaker on the food-addition grid).

6. These findings are discussed within an evolutionary context: we have, on the basis of these findings, no evidence suggesting that the observed delayed maturation represents an evolutionary optimal strategy. Rather, there is evidence suggesting that the delay is due to social constraints.

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