What is a key component of the vole diet during scarce periods?
Answer
Woody plant tissues like roots, bulbs, and bark
While voles prefer grasses and seeds when available, their diet is flexible and shifts toward woody plant parts when herbaceous matter declines. During winter or periods of limited growth, they sustain their energy levels by consuming roots, tubers, bulbs, and the bark around the base of stems. This shift in diet allows them to survive when preferred greens are unavailable but also makes them a significant threat to garden plants and young trees.
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