Wildlife

Water Vole Mink Predation and Conservation

American mink are a major driver of water vole decline in the UK, requiring coordinated management responses.

Key Facts

Water vole populations declined by over 90% during the 20th century, largely due to mink predation
Mink were introduced to the UK for the fur trade and established feral populations from the 1950s
Mink control through trapping is used in conservation areas to protect water vole colonies
Reintroduction of water voles requires prior mink removal and ongoing management
The Devon Wildlife Trust's mink control programme has enabled water vole recovery in river catchments

Welfare Considerations

Mink predation causes acute fear and death in water voles. Management trapping of mink, while causing individual suffering, is currently the most effective tool for water vole colony protection. Non-lethal alternatives are being researched but are not yet operationally proven at scale.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife trusts running river corridor mink management programmes
Record water vole sightings and mink activity with your local wildlife trust
Advocate for continued investment in water vole reintroduction and mink management
Avoid releasing American mink - this is illegal and ecologically harmful