Lusitanian pine vole
Microtus lusitanicus
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Mammals
The Lusitanian pine vole is a species of burrowing rodent in the family Cricetidae, endemic to the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, including northern and central Portugal, northwest Spain, and extending into the French Pyrenees. Its range spans from sea level to elevations of around 2,000 metres in regions characterized by cool climates, mountainous terrains, and fertile, easily excavated soils. This monogamous species occupies relatively large home ranges averaging 950 square metres, shows intra-sexual territoriality, and is active throughout both day and night in short bursts interspersed with rest periods. The vole breeds year-round with slightly reduced activity during winter, producing small litters of one to four offspring.
Classification
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Cricetidae
- Genus
- Microtus