Mammal · GBIF taxon 5706760
Myodes gapperi
Myodes gapperiAlso known as Gapper's Red-backed Vole, Boreal Red-backed Vole
Southern red-backed voles are nimble forest dwellers recognized by the prominent reddish-brown stripe running along their spine. They inhabit cool, damp coniferous and mixed forests across northern North America, where they forage extensively on lichens, subterranean fungi, and berries. Active year-round throughout both day and night, these small rodents construct cozy nests under decaying logs and root systems.
MammalForest DwellerRodent
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fungi
- Seeds and berries
- Roots and green shoots
Predators
- Owls
- Martens and weasels
- Hawks
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, and severe wildfires
HabitatsCool coniferous and mixed forests, mossy bogs, and damp woodlands
Life span1–1.5 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCricetidae
- SpeciesMyodes gapperi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively if handled; observe quietly from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Patience in mossy woods: Watch quietly around fallen rotting logs and moss beds during early morning or dusk.
- Spotting burrows: Check near decaying wood and root networks where small entrances indicate underground pathways.
- Avoid disturbance: Refrain from turning over logs, which destroys nesting sites and exposes burrows.
Competitor Needsmoreritalin (talk) / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
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