Lutra 58(1)_Thissen et al_2015

The distribution of the Pannonic root vole (Microtus oeconomus mehelyi Ehik, 1928) in Austria

As part of a LIFE project about the Pannonic root vole (Microtus oeconomus mehelyi) in Slovakia we also have investigated its occurrence in the nearby Austrian part of its range. Reports of the vole go back to1897, when the presence of the species in Austria was first published. Apart from studying literature on the species’ distribution, we have analysed owl pellet data and data of trapped specimens available from records at the Natural History Museum of Vienna (NMW) to illustrate the species’ distribution in Austria up until 2010. For more recent years (2011-early 2015) we investigated its distribution in Austria by using snap and live-traps, and by analysing owl pellets. In this period we found the Pannonic root vole on the eastern and western side of the Neusiedler See. There are some indications that the root vole may have disappeared from the northern side of the lake due to habitat loss. We give recommendations for habitat management that can help conserve the species.