Wonderful Water Voles

Today's post is about the Wonderful Water Vole, my favourite mammal. 


Water Voles, sometimes mistaken for rats have a silky coat which are normally yellowish-brown to dark brown. It has a blunt nose, a rounded body and a long hairy tail, with males being slightly larger than the females. 

Once a common and familiar mammal, over the last 20 years it has suffered a dramatic decline.   Their numbers have declined by more than 90%, because of the introduction of American Mink which are preying on them and also because of the loss of habitat. 

Key Facts:
  • They are widespread across Europe.
  • Their lifespan is about 5 months.
  • Their habitat is banks of slow-moving rivers, streams and other waterways.
  • They are very strong swimmers.





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