Mihok, S. (1984) Life history profiles of boreal meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). pp. 91-102 in Merritt, J.F. (Ed) Winter ecology of small mammals. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Museum of Natural History Special Publication No. 10.

Meadow voles were live-trapped every two weeks from 1968 to 1978 on a 3.24-ha oldfield grid in southeastern Manitoba, Canada. Both annual and multiannual density fluctuations were observed, with peak densities of about 100 voles/ha. Considerable winter dispersal, a high degree of reproductive success in immigrants, poor juvenile survival in midsummer and inhibition of sexual maturity in peak years were some of the unusual demographic features observed. Life expectancy (including both viability and dispersal) of voles after first capture was the major single factor directly related to multiannual density changes. Variation in the life expectancy of mature females born early in the breeding season may have determined the demographic history of this microtine. Further research on the proximate and ultimate causes of death is required to determine the underlying processes responsible for these changes.