There are many fascinating facts about water voles that people don’t know about. Did you know they are a protected species in the UK?
In this article, we’ll explore some interesting facts about water voles, how to tell the difference between water voles and otters, their important role as ecosystem engineers, and what a water vole survey involves and when one may be required.
What is a Water Vole?
Water Vole (named Arvicola Amphibius) are small mammals with plump, rounded bodies, short tail, small fluffy ears and blunt noses. Their fur ranges in colour from chocolate brown to grey, and they are often mistaken for rats.
They are excellent swimmers and are uniquely adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, making them superb residents of riverbanks and freshwater habitats.
What Do Water Voles Eat?
Water voles predominantly consume vegetation. Their diet consists of a variety of plants, such as, grasses, reeds, sedges, and even small waterborne fruits.
With their strong teeth designed for gnawing, they skilfully graze on these plants, contributing to the health of their habitat by keeping plant growth in check.
The Role of Water Voles as Ecosystem Engineers
Water voles are more than just small mammals living along riverbanks, they actually play an important role in shaping the landscapes around them.
They are known as ecosystem engineers (an animal that creates, significantly changes, maintains or destroys a habitat) because the soil they create their homes with dries out as they burrow, which allows a more diverse range of plants to grow within the vicinity.
Every organism influences the environment they live in, even if it’s only on a small scale, but the impact of ecosystem engineers is so great that they become responsible for maintaining the health and stability of the environment they are living in.
Why is the Water Vole Important to the Ecosystem?
By burrowing and changing the soil condition, the area becomes hospitable to a wider range of wildflowers and grasses, which attract bumblebees, moths and butterflies. These insects then become a source of food for insect-eating birds and bats.
As herbivores, water voles help to control vegetation growth as well, which makes room for more diverse plant life to grow around the water banks they live beside.
As well as this, the complex underground structures water voles create can also provide refuge to various other small mammals, such as reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Are Water Voles Protected in the UK?
This is one of the most common questions surrounding water voles and the answer is yes! These animals have gained protected status due to their decline in population over the years.
Conservation efforts, including water vole surveys, have been put in place to ensure their survival and thriving existence.
Why Are They Protected in the UK?
Habitat loss and pollution have significantly affected their population. As urbanisation and agriculture expanded, their natural homes were disrupted. Additionally, increased predation from non-native species, like minks, put further pressure on their survival.
The UK’s commitment to conservation, recognises the vital role these creatures play in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts
In areas where habitat restoration and invasive species management have been carried out, water vole populations have shown signs of recovery.
These efforts include creating buffer zones along water bodies and providing safe spaces for these voles to build their nests and burrows.
What is a Water Vole Survey?
A water vole survey is an ecological assessment to determine the presence, absence, or population size of water voles within a wetland or waterway habitat, carried out by an experienced ecologist to secure planning permission for development projects.
When is A Water Vole Survey Required?
A water vole survey is typically required when a proposed development or project has the potential to impact water vole habitats, by being located on or near a water body.
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and further water vole surveys are often required if suitable habitat is present, even if water voles have not previously been recorded in the area. Ecologists access factors such as vegetation cover, water quality, riverbank condition to help determine the likelihood of water vole activity.
All water vole surveys are best conducted between April and September; however, signs of presence can be found from March to November. They should not be undertaken when waterways and ponds are flooded as any field signs would be washed away. For this reason, water vole surveys should be conducted at least two days after the water levels subside.
Water Voles vs. Otters
On the UK waterways, you’ll find both otters and water voles, and might wonder, ‘what is the difference between the two?’ It’s important to know, so you can spot them next time you’re out and about.
Water Vole & Otter Appearances
The first thing to notice is that otters are a lot larger than water voles. Water voles are the bigger species of vole and can reach heights of up to 14cm, with otters soaring above them at 155cm.
An otter’s long body is covered in thick brown fur, with paler brown on their chest and belly and have a thick, muscular tail and short legs with webbed feet. Their eyes sit on top of their head so they can see better when submerged in the water. They also have a broad nose with small ears, with a water vole also having brown fur and small ears but a furry tail.
What Does an Otter & A Water Vole Eat?
Otters are carnivores, whereas water voles tend to eat a more herbivorous diet. Eating more than 2lbs of food a day, otters are able to catch prey equal to its own body weight so the majority of their diet contains fish. If this is in short supply, they will also prey upon bird, amphibians, mammals and insects.
On the other hand, a water vole’s diet is dependent on the seasons and what foliage is on offer.
Where Do Otters & Water Voles Live?
Both otters and water voles can be found throughout the UK, however there are lower densities of otters in England compared to Wales. Water voles cannot be found in Northern Ireland, Scottish islands, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly and Isle of Man.
They also have very similar habitats, commonly along grassy riverbanks, and where water voles burrow, otters create holts that are connected with tunnels. Both species like to have resting places within these habitats; otters create couches in dense vegetation by the side of the water and water voles sit and eat in the same place, leaving nibbled grass patches.
Breeding Habits of An Otter & A Water Vole
Otters can breed throughout the year, while water voles mainly breed between March and October. Otters usually give birth to two or three cubs, whereas water voles can have between two and five litters every year, with each litter containing up to eight young.
Their parenting styles are also very different. Water vole pups become independent after around 28 days, but otter pups stay with their mother for more than a year.
Threats to Otters & Water Voles
Otter and water voles are both protected in the UK by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and otters are also protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.
They are both threatened by habitat destruction and degradation due to the increase in urban development and trampling of banks, as well as the increasing use of pesticides amongst farming. Whereas otters are threatened by persecution by fishery owners and gamekeepers, water voles are more threatened by the American Mink.
One way in which you can make sure both otters and water voles are protected is by carrying out ecology surveys before your next development project. At Greenlight, we can help you with all your surveying needs as well as mitigation or enhancements required.
Greenlight Are Here to Help
Water voles are a fascinating and important part of the UK’s wetland ecosystems, playing a much bigger role in shaping their environment than many people realise.
However, with populations in decline and increasing development pressure on wetland habitats, understanding where water voles are present has never been more important.
Whether you are managing a development near a watercourse or simply looking to better understand local wildlife, recognising the importance of water voles is essential for protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
The team at Greenlight Environmental Consultancy have extensive experience carrying out water vole surveys and assisting with mitigation and enhancement measures across the East of England.
Our comprehensive understanding of the species, surveys and strategies means you can rest assured that your development won’t negatively impact the local biodiversity.
If you’re interested in learning more about water vole surveys, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a free, no obligation chat.
