Let’s save the wildlife – Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

This semi-aquatic rodent spends most of its day in rivers and streams, but digs burrows along riverbanks to rest at night, which helps maintain river ecosystems, as well as allow other animals and plants to thrive. Once found in almost every waterway in Scotland, England and Wales, water voles have seen a 94% drop in population within the past three decades and lost about 90% of its historic range, driving the species to the brink of extinction. The drastic population decline is attributed to the arrival and predation of the non-native American mink – for fur farming – and water pollution from industries. Though the mammal has three to four litters each year, it is not enough to keep pace with all the various threats to the species. However, UK conservation officials are taking measures to restore riverbanks, clean up waterways, and implement reintroduction programmes.

_{^{Izvor informacija: (https://earth.org) – Fotografija: (https://www.gettyimages.com)}}