Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Water Vole
Scientific Name:
Arvicola terrestris
Weight:
140 - 350 grams
Lifespan:
12 - 18 months average but exceptionally some may live into their third year
Also Known As:
Water rat Description
Dark chocolate brown fur, with a chubby face and blunt nose and a shorter tail than a rat.
Distribution
The Water Vole is found throughout most of England and Wales, though less common in Scotland with little evidence in the north, and absent from Northern Ireland.
Habitat
Burrows in the waterside bank with the entrance above or below the waterline of slow running rivers and sometimes dykes and ditches.
Predators
Cats, foxes, weasels, pike, birds of prey and adders are among the predators seeking water voles.Mink are the most serious threat to Water Vole populations, due to their ability to hunt underwater,foiling the Water Vole`s main course of evasion from threats.
Reproduction
A nest of woven plant stems is built to provide a nest below the waterline and as many as 4 or 5 litters of up to five young may be born annually between March and October.
Status
Fairly high numbers of Water Vole may be found in the appropriate environment.
Did You Know?
Although Water Voles are not considered to be an endangered species their numbers have declined, particularly due to the increasing number of Mink who are also Vole predators.
Footprint Image
Footprint Description
Forefoot has 4 digital pads with distinct claws, giving the impression of the toes being pointed.Hind foot has 5 digital pads,claws similar. Full "hand" outlines are commonly found in soft mud/silt. "Star" shaped in appearance, may be confused with tracks of Brown Rat, but the latter has a narrower, and longer heel pattern on the hind foot. Fore feet are very similar in both Water Vole and Brown Rat.
Footprint Size
Hind foot - 3x3.1cm, fore foot - 1.8x2.3cm
Track Images
Droppings Images
Droppings Description
Water Voles use regular latrines. Droppings are roughly 1-1.2cm in length, cylindrical with rounded ends. These are green when fresh, but lose colour over time. Territorial latrines often show signs of trampling.