Wildlife

Wild Water Vole Habitat Welfare

Water vole populations have declined by 90 percent since 1970 and their welfare depends on intact, connected riverside habitat.

Key Facts

Water voles are the UK's fastest declining mammal with 90 percent population decline since 1970
American mink introduced for fur farming are the primary predator driving the decline
Riparian habitat management including mink control has enabled localized recovery
Water voles require extensive bank systems with specific vegetation for burrow construction
Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have restored populations at multiple sites

Welfare Considerations

Water voles predated by mink are killed quickly but populations experience sustained pressure that eliminates entire riverside communities. Mink control programs prevent ongoing predation-related population collapse.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Trust mink control and water vole reintroduction programs
Report water vole sightings to local Wildlife Trusts for population mapping
Advocate for river management that maintains riparian vegetation for water vole habitat