Can you kill a water vole?
Can you kill a water vole?
The Law. Water voles are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Water voles are protected against intentional killing, capture or injury and intentional or reckless disturbance, obstruction, damage or destruction or their burrows.
Are water voles protected UK?
The water vole is fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is a priority conservation species. intentionally capture, kill or injure water voles. damage, destroy or block access to their places of shelter or protection (on purpose or by not taking enough care)
Are water voles a European protected species?
Water voles are listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as they are still common in many parts of Europe, however, the water vole is a UK BAP Priority Species and is protected by Wildlife legislation in England, Scotland and Wales.
Are water voles an endangered species?
Not extinct
Water voles/Extinction status
Are water voles active at night?
Water voles tend to be active more during the day than at night. Male voles live along about 130 metres of water bank, while females have ranges about 70 metres long.
Are water voles like rats?
Unlike water voles, brown rats are incredibly adaptable, larger and more aggressive – which can actually pose a problem for water voles and other species….Water vole vs brown rat.
| Water vole | Brown rat |
|---|---|
| Rounded, blunt face | Pointy face |
| Brown furry tail, half length of body | Long pink tail, full length of body |
How many water voles are left in the UK 2021?
Population size & distribution GB population of 875,000. Water voles were formerly widespread and common in England, Wales and Scotland, ranging from Cornwall to the extreme north-east of Scotland.
What is the lifespan of a water vole?
5 months
Lifespan: 5 months on average. Maximum longevity in captivity is 2 years. Origin & Distribution: Native. The water vole is found throughout Britain, though it is less common on higher ground.
Do water voles live in garden ponds?
It lives around water, including garden ponds, feeding mainly on plants. Although sometimes known as water rats, water voles have blunter heads and smaller tails, and do not spread diseases or cause the same damage as land rats.