suolamarskit

Suolamarskit, often translated as "salt marsh mice" or "salt marsh voles," refers to a group of small, semi-aquatic rodents belonging to the genus *Microtus* within the subfamily Arvicolinae. These voles are characteristically found in coastal salt marshes and brackish water habitats along the Atlantic coast of North America. Their distribution typically ranges from Massachusetts southwards to Georgia.

These rodents are well-adapted to their saline environments. Their fur is dense and often a mottled brown or grayish-brown, providing camouflage against the marsh vegetation. They possess small ears and eyes, and their tails are relatively short. Suolamarskit are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, sedges, and other salt-tolerant plants that grow in their marshland homes. They play a significant role in the salt marsh ecosystem, serving as a food source for various predators, including birds of prey, snakes, and foxes.

Reproduction in suolamarskit is rapid, with females capable of producing multiple litters per year. The nests are typically constructed from plant material and are often situated above the high tide line to protect them from flooding. Despite their common presence in their specific habitats, detailed ecological studies on suolamarskit can be limited compared to more widespread rodent species, partly due to the challenging nature of accessing and studying these marsh environments. Their continued presence is an indicator of the health of coastal salt marsh ecosystems.