To investigate the seasonal variations in population parameters of the yellow stepped vole Eo-lagurus luteus,a prominent pest inhabiting the desert grasslands of northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,field populations were sampled in spring (April),summer (June),autumn (September) and winter (January) from Bayingou Pasture in Wusu. Results revealed significant seasonal fluctuations in popula-tion density and sex ratio of the yellow stepped vole. The number and ratio of active holes were signifi-cantly higher in summer compared with autumn,showing increases of 1.67 and 2.00 times,respectively. Sex ratios favored females in summer and autumn,while favoring males in winter and spring. Seasonal variations in the physiological status of the yellow stepped vole were evident,with peak breeding activi-ty observed in spring. Female vole pregnancy and reproductive rates peaked during the spring at 85.7％,contrasting with rates below 30.0％ in other seasons. Additionally,adult male and female voles exhibit-ed peak level of fatness,relative spleen weight,relative adrenal gland weight and relative reproductive organ weight in spring,significantly surpassing levels in other seasons,indicating enhanced nutrition,immunity,and stress levels. The yellow stepped vole's boosted reproductive behavior in spring corre-sponds with their improved physiological status in spring,implying a seasonal adoption of their physio-logical and reproductive status to environmental alterations and maintaining population stability.
维普
万方数据
