April Audubon Meeting – Prairie Voles

Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are small herbivorous rodents that inhabit grasslands of north-central North America.  They play an important role in ecosystems since they are a food source for many species like hawks, raccoons and snakes, and their burrowing helps spread nutrients in the upper soil layer.  However, they are considered pests by some when they take up residence in agricultural fields, gardens, and golf courses.

Prairie voles are among a small group of mammals that display long-term social attachment between mating partners and biparental care of offspring.  The monogamous social bond between a male and female may last a lifetime.  But monogamy doesn’t mean mate fidelity.  Male prairie voles will sometimes “cheat” on their partners, wandering into neighboring territories and mating with females from other couples.  Individual voles differ in that some individuals are steadfastly faithful while others are more likely to stray.  Their behavior has made prairie vole a notable animal model for studying variation in monogamous behavior and social bonding in mammals, including humans.

Dr. Brian Keane, Professor in the Department of Biology at Miami University, and long-time board member of the Audubon Society of Ohio, will present our April program on prairie voles. Brian has led numerous field trips for Audubon, and is an engaging speaker.

We will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at the Sharon Centre (Sharon Woods Visitors Center), which is located at 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, Ohio. From the park entrance on Lebanon Road, follow the Sharon Woods Drive to the first large parking lot on the left. The visitors center is the large building at the back of the parking lot.