Specifics of distribution and ecology of the flat-headed vole (Alticola strelzowi (Kastschenko, 1899)) in the conditions of northeastern Kazakhstan and Altai territory

Abstract Flat-headed vole ( Alticola strelzowi (Kastschenko, 1899)) is a stenobiont species, which can be potentially used as a bioindicator of climatic changes and anthropogenic impact in the territories of northeastern Kazakhstan. Furthermore, these rodents can carry plague pathogens. In both cases, it is important to understand the distribution areas and lifestyle of these voles in order to effectively record and regulate their numbers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematise the available data on the ecology and distribution of Alticola strelzowi from the archives of the Siberian Zoological Museum of the Institute of Animal Systematics and Ecology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk) and the Zoomuseum of Moscow State University, St. Petersburg, and to test the possibility of breeding these voles under vivarium conditions. For this purpose, data of archives in the territory of distribution and time of vole findings were studied and grouped, and average values of several morphometric parameters for voles of East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions and separate populations from the Altai territory were calculated. Using the Google Earth resource, an approximate map of the regions where the described specimens of flat-headed voles were captured was formed. For the experiment in natural conditions using automatic traps, voles were captured in the territory of the southeastern Altai, on the Sailugem Ridge. As a result of the work, significant differences between voles of Alticola strelzowi species of different populations were revealed, especially between the individuals living on different sides of the South Altai Ridge. On average, voles found in Kazakhstan had 15% longer body length and almost twice the body weight. Voles reared under vivarium conditions generally lived less long than in the field, but were reproductively active. In general, this study laid the foundation for systematic further observations and the tracking of population dynamics of flat-headed voles, and also outlined the prospect of using these data for monitoring ecological and climatic changes.