Biology and Ecology of the Species of the Genus Microtus (Schrank, 1798) in Kırıkkale Province (Mammalia: Rodentia)

Abstract

This study is based on 94 specimens belonging to two species of the genus Microtus collected from the Kırıkkale
province between 2001 and 2003. The specimens were obtained by kill and live traps. Some features concerning habitat,
pelage colour, feeding, breeding, hair morphology, skull, baculum and karyology of the species were recorded for finding
out their ecological and biological aspects. 17 animals were fed with some seeds and fruits in a glass cage at the
laboratory to observe their feeding behaviours and carry out karyological analyses. Informations on their feeding and
reproduction were recorded both in the field and laboratory. It has been determined that two species of the genus
Microtus live in the Kırıkkale province, Microtus guentheri and Microtus levis . Pregnant individuals of Microtus
guentheri were encountered in April, June, July and September. It was determined that the diploid number of Microtus
guentheri and Microtus levis is 54. The fundamental number, is 54 and the number of autosomal arms, is 52 in both
species.