GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Townsend's Vole (Microtus townsendii)

Species Code: MITO

Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat Breeding Range Map The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Click to enlarge distribution map Map with historical museum records Other maps & Information: NatureMapping observations throughout the year

Found mostly in lowlands, sea level to 1000 feet, west of the Cascades in salt water and fresh water marshes, wet meadows, and in dense herbaceous and hardwood riparian vegetation. Not found in coniferous forest or dry brush. Invades clear-cuts and coniferous tree farms (where it eats seedlings) when these are near marshes or wet meadows. Occasionally found higher in the Olympics, occurs in the absence of Richardson's Vole, as high as alpine meadows at 5000 to 6000 feet.

Core zones were the low and mid-elevation forest zones of the west side of the state, where water/wetlands and other moist areas were good habitat. In the Olympics, Mountain Hemlock, Sub-alpine Fir, and Alpine/Parkland were also core zones.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Mammal Volume by Dave Lester
Webpage designed by Dave Lester