Species – Common Vole (Microtus arvalis)      

Taxon: rodentia

Habitat: Found in both coniferous and deciduous woodland, marsh, heather moorland, rough grassland and arable farmland. 

Description: Very similar to field vole, but has shorter fur, ears and is less hairy.                                                                                                   

 Size: Head to body : 97-128mm, Tail: 27-44mm.

Weight: 22-67g. 

Origin and distribution: Deliberately introduced now restricted to Guernsey and Orkney islands.  

Diet: Herbivorous, feeds on leaves, stems and roots of wide variety of grasses. Has a strong preference for heather.

General Ecology: Common to have a single nest with several entrances that forms a network of runs and tunnels beneath ground surface. Same tunnels used for successive generations of voles. Sleeps and raises young in nest. 

Tends to have litters of 2-5 individuals.

Predators are: hen harriers; short eared owls; stoats; kestrels and domestic cats. 

Breeding: Breeding season starts in February with pregnant females found between March to November. Both parents spend a long time in nest grooming their young. 

Conservation Status: The 2018 Mammal Society’ study in 2018 indicated intensification of agricultural practices within its home range

has a detrimental effect upon the vole population here.  As stoats have been introduced to the area recently, these too are having a significant impact on population numbers. Declines in this species are likely to have serious consequences for bird species in the area.