MICROTUS-FORTIS (RODENTIA, CRICETIDAE) - A NEW SPECIES IN THE FAUNA OF SAKHALIN ISLAND

Of all Microtus species only M. sachalinensis is known from Sakhalin. In 1983 and 1990 common voles were caught near Baikal Bay and in Northern Sakhalin which were identified by us as M. fortis. They settle in moist and waterlogged sedge meadows along banks of rivers and lakes. The breeding season lasts till the late October. Grown-up females of a current year of birth bring one brood of 3-6 youngs. These findings allow us to include the second species of common voles into Sakhalin fauna.