These pictures have been taken today of water voles living in the wild, a good sight to see considering the huge decline in their numbers.
Water voles are widespread around Europe, living in the banks of slow moving rivers, streams and other waterways.
The waterside burrows of these strong swimmers have many floor levels that hinder flooding, as well as nesting chambers and a food store for the long winter months.
Although water voles are a quick meal for many predators, the UK population suffered a catastrophic level of predation by the American mink.
Water voles are often mistaken for rats. Ratty, in Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows', was actually a water vole
(Accessed from http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Water_Vole 30/7/11)
Water voles were once common on waterways across the country, but their numbers began to decline in the 1990s and, by 2005, 90% had disappeared. The Environment Agency, which carried out the survey, said this makes it the UK's fastest declining mammal. The agency added that its recovery had been stimulated by an improvement in river water quality.
(Accessed from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10345086 30/7/2011)
These pictures have been taken today of water voles living in the wild, a good sight to see considering the huge decline in their numbers.
Water voles are widespread around Europe, living in the banks of slow moving rivers, streams and other waterways.
The waterside burrows of these strong swimmers have many floor levels that hinder flooding, as well as nesting chambers and a food store for the long winter months.
Although water voles are a quick meal for many predators, the UK population suffered a catastrophic level of predation by the American mink.
Water voles are often mistaken for rats. Ratty, in Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows', was actually a water vole
(Accessed from http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Water_Vole 30/7/11)
Water voles were once common on waterways across the country, but their numbers began to decline in the 1990s and, by 2005, 90% had disappeared. The Environment Agency, which carried out the survey, said this makes it the UK's fastest declining mammal. The agency added that its recovery had been stimulated by an improvement in river water quality.
(Accessed from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10345086 30/7/2011)
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