Talk:Orkney vole

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[edit] Subspecies

No sources are cited for the article as it stands. My source (Paul Morrison, 1994, Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe ISBN 0-333-62998-1) says Orkney Voles comprise two of the four subspecies of the common vole:

• Microtus agrestis orcadensis: confined to Mainland Orkney, South Ronaldsay and Rousay, characterised by dark dorsal surfaces and greyish underparts blushed with orange-buff
• Microtus agrestis sandayensis: occurs on the Orkney Islands of Westray and Sanday; is identified by paler dorsal fur and underparts marked with creamy yellow fur.

The other two subspecies are

• Microtus agrestis sarnius: restricted to Guernsey in the Channel Islands. The voles show pale brown dorsal surfaces and pure grey underparts
• Microtus agrestis arvalis: this smaller subspecies occurs throughout western Europe and is very similar to M. a. sandayensis with pale dorsal fur and creamy buff ventral surfaces

Which is correct? I think it is likely to be the article, as further scientific work since 1994 may well have established additional subspecies on the Orkney Islands - but we need a source. Jasper33 00:12, 30 December 2006 (UTC)