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 Vole Species - Approximately 70 vole species have been discovered which include: meadow Vole, Florida salt marsh vole, Arctic voles, southern red-back voles, bank vole, water vole, CA vole and red-backed vole.
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Water voles live near slow rivers, ponds, streams an ditches. They are widespread across Europe and Britain although their numbers are falling due to water pollution and the deterioration of its habitats.
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Water Vole
Commonly called the water rat, this largest member of the vole family can commonly be found in slow rivers, ponds, streams an ditches. Easily recognised with its hairy tail and rounded face, it has found itself under threat in recent years through the increase in water pollution, the deterioration of its habitats and the rise of its main predator the mink.
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Water vole sitting on a river bank
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They range across Europe, east to East Siberia and Mongolia. They are widespread across mainland Britain, but are absent from most of the north of Scotland. Water voles are expert swimmers, but are not particularly specialised for a life in the water, unlike beavers and otters. They burrow into riverbanks and make a nest, which they line with grass. They are active both day and night.
Water voles favour habitats that have slow-flowing water, with a water level that does not fluctuate greatly. Areas that flood can flush water voles out and expose them to their predators - or even drown them. Droughts reveal their burrows and predators may be enticed in. Good swathes of tall bank side and emergent vegetation are important as they provide cover and food. They prefer steep, soft, treeless banks into which they can burrow.
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The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 Young People's Trust
- This page contains a lot of information about the distinguishing features and habits of water voles. www.yptenc.org.uk
Cheshire Biodiversity
- This page looks at the measures that are being taken to halt the decline of water vole populations. www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk
They are usually seen as they dive into the water to swim. Its normal tendency is to submerge, whereas a rat stays on the surface. After swimming, the water vole often sits upright on the bankside, feeding on a water plant or washing its face. One sign of its whereabouts is a patch of the bank where the plants have been bitten off. There may also be tracks in the mud near by.
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A water vole swimming
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The mating period lasts from March into late Fall. The female vole's pregnancy lasts for approximately 21 days. Up to 8 baby voles can be born, each weighing close to two-tenths of an ounce. The young voles open their eyes three days after their birth. They are half the size of a full grown water vole by the time they are weaned.
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