©copyright derek gow consultancy 2018
The future
It is unlikely that water voles will continue to survive in
many of the habitats they currently occupy.
They are currently believed to be extinct throughout 97% of their
former range.
Their best chance of survival is in landscapes where extensive
ditch networks or large wetlands still exist.
This prospect will still depend upon the strategic control of mink
combined with the re-creation and maintenance of suitable
habitats,
This process will only be sustainable if landowners are
encouraged to assist their survival with the support of the
statutory and voluntary nature conservation agencies.
Catchment wide
mink control/
eradication
Water Vole presence from 2004-2008
Water Vole presence from 1900-2008
Wetlands creation,
ponds and river
mosaics
fencing
livestock from
river banks
Linkage of
populations
Coppicing river
banks - increase
vegetation
No mink
control
Overshading
by trees
Linear habitat
Poached
river banks
Grazed
river banks
Population
and Genetic
isolation
Water vole
population
The future of the water vole
is in our hands. Simple
actions will aid either its
survival or extinction.
Which path do you think we
need to follow?
Water
voles
numbers
increase
and
survive
Water
voles
decline
and
become
extinct
Specialists in water vole ecology
