The overall national picture is one of decline due to the destruction of natural habitats and predation by the non-native American mink. However, water vole populations will thrive when the right conditions are created.
The Wildlife Trusts study found that in 2006 water voles occupied 1,071 10km squares across England, Scotland and Wales. In 2022, water voles were counted in just 652 10km squares, the lowest on record and a decline in range of 39%.
Reintroductions, habitat restoration, and, crucially, the effective eradication of American mink—the non-native predator responsible for water vole population crashes—are helping the creature recover from historic lows.
The report also identified 11 new regional key areas for water voles—areas greater than 35 sq km where resilient water vole populations are found.
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