European water vole

They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 30 seconds underwater

Peter Trimming


European water vole

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 30 seconds underwater

Population

A quintessential example of semi-aquatic mammal life that thrives within the diverse wetland ecosystems stretching across Europe and into parts of Asia. This medium-sized rodent, typically spanning 14-22 cm (6-9 inches) in body length with an additional tail length of approximately 10 cm (4 inches), showcases a range of physical adaptations that enable its survival and proficiency in aquatic environments. Among these adaptations is its dense, waterproof fur, which provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing the water vole to maintain its body temperature and float more easily while swimming.

Moreover, the European water vole’s large hind feet, complete with webbed toes, are evolutionary enhancements that facilitate effective swimming and diving. These physical traits, combined with their strong and compact bodies, make them adept swimmers, capable of navigating the often challenging and dynamic waters of their wetland habitats.

Dietarily, the European water vole primarily consumes a variety of aquatic vegetation, including reeds, grasses, and leaves, playing a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of their ecosystems. Feeding on these plants helps to control plant growth and contributes to the structural complexity and diversity of wetland vegetation. This not only impacts the physical environment but also influences the broader ecological community by affecting the distribution of plant species and the habitat availability for other organisms.

Despite their ecological significance, European water voles face numerous threats that have led to a decline in their populations across their range. Habitat loss and degradation, primarily due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and pollution, pose significant challenges to their survival. Additionally, predation pressure from introduced species, such as the American mink, has had a substantial impact on water vole populations.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2016
Albania
2016
Armenia
2016
Austria
2016
Azerbaijan
2016
Belarus
2016
Belgium
2016
Bosnia And Herz.
2016
Bulgaria
2016
China
2016
Croatia
2016
Czechia
2016
Denmark
2016
Estonia
2016
Finland
2016
France
2016
Georgia
2016
Germany
2016
Greece
2016
Hungary
2016
Iran
2016
Iraq
2016
Israel
2016
Italy
2016
Kazakhstan
2016
Latvia
2016
Liechtenstein
2016
Lithuania
2016
Luxembourg
2016
Moldova
2016
Mongolia
2016
Montenegro
2016
Netherlands
2016
North Macedonia
2016
Norway
2016
Poland
2016
Romania
2016
Russia
2016
Serbia
2016
Slovakia
2016
Slovenia
2016
Sweden
2016
Switzerland
2016
Syria
2016
Turkey
2016
Ukraine
2016
United Kingdom
2016

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No