Birds And More 012 - Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. They are listed as endangered on both the Great Britain and the England Red List for Mammals. Water Vole.

The Water Vole and Brown Rat are very similar, Water Vole has, a blunt, rounded nose, small ears, and a furry tail. While the brown rat is larger, a pointed nose, large ears that are clearly visible , and a long, scaly tail (rat tail). Colour of their furs is also different and often causes confusion, Water Vole has chestnut-brown fur (varies from light to dark shades) and Brown Rat has Greyish-brown fur, often ligter shades.

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) are found throughout the U.K. with few exceptions from Isles and the N.I. but their number have declined due to change in habitat, habitat loss and climate change. They are found by the river, streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, reeds and wet lands. They love to nibble grass and stems by the water.

-- Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

Blog: Birds And More 006 - Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)