Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Water Vole Recovery

Water voles have experienced the fastest mammal population decline in the UK, with recovery programs delivering welfare and population benefits.

Key Facts

UK water vole populations declined by 90% from the 1970s to 2000 due to American mink predation
Mink control programs have enabled water vole recovery in targeted river catchments
Bank habitat management including tussock grass and rush provides critical cover
Captive breeding and translocation programs have recolonised suitable habitats
Water vole populations are now recovering in areas where mink has been controlled

Welfare Considerations

Water vole recovery demonstrates that targeted predator management can enable population recovery. Each surviving water vole represents welfare success in a formerly collapsed population.

What You Can Do

Support your local water vole conservation project
Report water vole sightings to population monitoring programs
Advocate for mink control programs on rivers with water vole populations