156.

Liechtenstein’s Pine Vole

Microtus liechtensteini

French: Campagnol de Liechtenstein / German: lllyrische Kleinwihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de Liechtenstein

Other common names: Bavarian Pine Vole (bavaricus)

Taxonomy. Pitymys liechtensteini Wettstein, 1927, Mali Rajinac near Krasno, Velebit Mountains, NW segment of Dinaric Alps, Croatia.

Microtus liechtensteini is in subgenus Terricola and multiplex species group. It is closely related to M. multiplex and was synonymized with it in the past. These two species have distinct diploid number of chromosomes: 2n = 46 in lLechtensteini and 2n = 48 in multiplex . Their distributions marginally overlap, and a natural hybrid was found in the parapatric zone. Individuality of the two species has been confirmed by molecular markers. The name bavaricus had been used for a small isolated population around Garmisch-Partenkirchen in southern Bavaria (Germany) and adjacent Tyrol (Austria), butit is now synonymized with lechtensteini. It was previously classified in the genus Pitymys . Subspecific taxonomy is not resolved. Monotypic.

Distribution. E Alps and Dinaric Alps in extreme S Germany, W & S Austria, NE Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, W Bosnia and Herzegovina, and W Serbia.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 88-115 mm,tail 27-40 mm; weight 14-32-5 g. Liechtenstein’s Pine Vole is moderately large, with shorttail, tiny eyes, and short ears. There are five plantar pads, and females have only four nipples, specifically two inguinal pairs. Fur is soft, dense, and long, dark brown above and gray on belly. Hair bases are slate. Skull is lightly built, rather low and slightly bowed in profile, and without supraorbital ridges. Interorbital region is flat and wide, and braincase is relatively large. Mandible is weak. Upperincisors are slightly proodont. Molars resemble pattern of Microtus . M, normally has five inner and four outer reentrant angles. M” has four salient angles on inner side and 3-4 on outerside.

Habitat. Early successional stages, forest edges, and clearings with dense lush vegetation and light humid soil from sea level up to elevations of ¢.1960 m. Liechtenstein’s Pine Vole is most abundant in zones of montane forest and dwarf pine ( Pinus mugo, Pinaceae).

Food and Feeding. About one-half (48-1%) of diet of Liechtenstein’s Pine Vole consists of green dicotyledonous plants, in particular of buttercups ( Ranunculaceae), pinks ( Caryophyllaceae), heathers ( Ericaceae), and dogbanes ( Apocynaceae). Close to one-tenth (9-3%) of the diet consists of flowers, seeds, fruits, fungi, and lichens. Grasses are not favored.

Breeding. Pregnant Liechtenstein’s Pine Voles were recorded in March—-August. Numbers of embryos is 2-4/female (mean 2-6). Females have at least 2 litters/year.

Activity patterns. Liechtenstein’s Pine Vole is crepuscular and nocturnal. It is fossorial and digs burrows. Entrances to tunnels are frequently sealed with small heaps of excavated soil. When they are active aboveground, they seek protection among herbaceous plants.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. At the time of assessment in 2008, the “Bavarian Pine Vole” (M. bavaricus) was regarded a separate species and was classified as Critically Endangered.

Bibliography. Amori, Contoli & Nappi (2008), Hartl et al. (2000), Konig (1982), Krapp (1982b), Krystufek (1991), Spitzenberger (2001b), Storch & Winking (1977), Tvrtkovi¢ et al. (2010).