Biological control of the peasant vole by natural predators

MITECO

The project aims to increase the populations of several predators of the peasant vole (Microtus arvalis) and to evaluate its effectiveness as a method of biological control on agricultural land, in Castilla y León.

More specifically, it is intended to:

To analyze the ecological consequences of the increase in predators on populations of other potential prey, such as passeriforemes, reptiles and orthoptera.
Facilitate the colonisation of the environment by terrestrial carnivores by creating refuge areas and corridors through the implementation of a native woody vegetation cover on borders and agricultural plots.
To strengthen the populations of common kestrel and barn owl from the introduction of bred or rehabilitated specimens.
To evaluate the effectiveness of this type of measures as a system for regulating vole populations, and therefore as an ecological pest control technique, with a design of demographic monitoring in experimental areas and control.
Carry out environmental awareness and education campaigns for schools, agricultural and hunting groups in the three areas of action and nearby municipalities regarding the goods and services provided by ecosystems in a good state of conservation. Promote naturalist tourism in the areas of study.
To evaluate the differences between population reinforcement programs based on the introduction of captive-bred specimens versus natural colonization.