Wonderful Water Voles
Often, incorrectly called water rats (there are only brown rats, black rats and water voles), water voles were immortalised in Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows”, albeit in the form of the character “Ratty”.
The largest of our vole species and once a common sight across the UK, the water vole has suffered plummeting numbers due to habitat loss, pollution, fragmentation of populations and predation, not just by natural predators but also mink which were famously brought to Britain for fur farming and which have since caused significant damage to the native environment.
Typically living in grassy banks along the edges of slow moving bodies of water and lakes, water voles dig burrows in grassy banks. Sadly, and as with many species, habitats have become fragmented due to the eternal threat of pollution, the ongoing urbanisation of green areas including flood plain developments and increased grazing by farm animals. This has lead to the water vole becoming a priority protected species.
A Life on the River
Unsurprisingly, water voles are excellent swimmers and will often build their burrows so that the entrance is underwater. This offers them a small degree of protection from some predators however, smaller predators living in the same area can often enter the burrows and cause significant loss of numbers. Water voles are easily visible when swimming as their back and head remains above the water line and they are often confused with brown rats despite the more pointed features of the latter.
Lifestyle
Living in colonies, water voles can often be seen in the presence of others, swimming, playing, foraging and cleaning. Non-hibernating, it’s thought that few will survive many winters, though they do spend more time inside burrows during the winter months.
Possessing chestnut brown fur, small ears, blunt nose and furry tail they certainly have broader appeal than the rat. With patient watching they can be seen grooming or eating along the riverbank or on floating branches.
Facts and figures…
- Protected under UK law – IUCN GB Red List: Endangered
- UK population estimate c.130,000
- Mainly herbivorous
- Lifespan generally less than 2 winters
- Weight up to 300kg
What helps…
- Avoidance of littering
- Considerate dog walking to prevent disturbance
- Careful river management/protection from pollution
- Avoiding disturbance especially during the breeding season
- Steps to prevent habitat fragmentation