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 Vole Species 2 - The vole species 2 page gives you access to information about the snow vole, prairie vole, woodland vole, heather vole, sagebrush vole, tundra vole and pine vole.
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The snow vole is one of the largest of voles species and one of the most widespread, being found across south west Europe and as far east as Iran. It prefers rocky habitats and is found in mainly cold climates.
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Snow Vole
This vole species is relatively large when compared to other types of vole, it is generally found above the timberline in high rocky mountainsides and is discontinuously distributed from south-west Europe to Iran. The snow vole prefers rocky areas higher than 1500 metres above sea level and living amongst stones helps it to mitigate the effect of the wide ranges in temperature in the mountains that occur both during the day and over the seasons.
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Snow Vole feeding
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They live in small populations more or less scattered depending on their environment. During winter (when the snow covers the ground in upper mountains) some individuals migrate in neighbouring populations though no large migratory movements have ever been observed.
Snow vole burrows are always located under the stones, for this reason tunnel networks are difficult to observe but the opening of the tunnel is always close to a rock. The snow voles excavate themselves some parts of the tunnels and chambers but they often use natural clefts in and between rocks. It does not hibernate in winter and often takes shelter in cellars or barns or haylofts to protect itself from the cold.
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The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 America Zoo
- This page has more interesting facts about the snow vole. www.americazoo.com
Mountain Ecology
- This paper has lots of information about behaviour and characteristics of different species of snow vole. www.mountainecology.org
It is the least prolific type of vole, due to the short mountain summer which allows the female to give birth at most twice a year, to 2-6 young which become independent after three weeks. It is preyed on by practically all the carnivores present in its habitat, and its partially daytime habits mean it falls victim also to snakes and diurnal birds of prey. Prevalently herbivore, it feeds on alpine plants and grasses and the roots of various roses, primroses, carnations, etc.
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Snow voles prefer rocky areas
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Its fur is dense, soft, and smoky-grey on its back, shading to tawny at the sides, with a whitish stomach, lower part of the tail and feet. Different from other voles, its outer ear emerges from its coat and its tail is longer (more than half the length of its body). There are long whiskers on the snout. The snow vole reaches about seven inches long and it weighs about one and one half ounces.
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