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Largely due to a loss of habitat: the water vole population has suffered a serious decline in Britain in the latter part of the 20th century. The water vole used to dwell in nearly every waterway in England, Wales and Scotland, but sadly, it is found at only 10% of these sites today. The semi-aquatic rodent has seen much of its habitat wiped out since the 1940s, when the intensification of agriculture led to land being claimed for farming. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, its numbers decreased further when the American mink population started to grow. An invasive species, the mink arrived in Britain in 1929 on commercial fur farms. It was first reported to be living and breeding in the wild in 1956, as a result of some mink escaping from fur farms and others being released deliberately by animal welfare campaigners. Today, the American mink lives on many of Britain's waterways and as a result, the water vole population has declined by 90% since the late 1980s. Mink live in the same areas as water voles and are fierce predators. Small and slim, they can hunt prey living in burrows at the waterside, such as water voles.   Population status The UK's water vole population today is estimated to be 875,000 individuals. As a result of the population decline, they have been reintroduced as a threatened species in some parts of the country, including Yorkshire. Classed as vulnerable to extinction in Britain, they are classified as a "priority species" in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. As well as the reintroduction initiative, wildlife experts have also launched a National Water Vole Monitoring Programme. As it is protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally damage or obstruct access to their burrows. We must endeavour to save the water vole from extinction, as it plays a vital role in river ecosystems. Its movements, burrowing and feeding habits help to create conditions where other animals and plants can thrive. Without their presence, other species could be at risk.   How can you recognise a water vole? If you're lucky enough to see a water vole during a wildlife walk, you will recognise its distinctive features. Their combined head and body length can be up to 20 cm long, while their slightly furry tail is up to 10 cm long. They have glossy black or brown fur and a small, blunt muzzle that distinguishes them from rats, who have a more pointed face. Weighing up to 300 grammes, the water vole has black eyes and small, rounded ears that are almost hidden. They feed using their front paws, holding grass stalks as if their paws are tiny hands. Active mainly during the day, they can often be seen sitting up on their hind feet around riverbanks, canals, ponds, lakes, streams and any other waterways. When disturbed, they will dive into the water and swim away, their head and back remaining visible above water level. You can search for their presence by looking for their characteristic burrows on the riverbanks. They feed on reeds, grasses, water plants, rushes and wetland plants in the spring and summer. In the autumn and winter, they tend to feed on roots, bulbs, bark and whatever foliage is available. Very occasionally, they will eat insects.   Lifespan of the water vole A relatively short-lived species, few will survive two winters. Unfortunately, they have a lot of predators aside from the mink such as otters, foxes, stoats, weasels, herons, owls, marsh harriers, pike, cats and rats. In the Scottish Highlands, they are hunted by golden eagles. They live in colonies that will be spread out alongside the waterway, often having underwater entrances to their burrows. Breeding season starts in March and continues into October. Each female produces between two and five litters every year, of between two and eight young. The young, known as "pups", leave their mother after only 28 days. Those born in July are able to breed in the autumn, although many don't reach sexual maturity until the following spring. In order to survive the harsh winter, juvenile water voles must weigh at least 170 grammes, or their chances are slim. Water voles don't hibernate, so they remain active over the colder months of the year. However, they venture out as little as possible in the winter. During late summer, they stock up on food such as roots, bulbs and plant stems, known as rhizomes. As long as they have enough food, they don't need to venture out too often, as they are very hygienic mammals and have a separate chamber that they use as a toilet. They also have a sleeping chamber and a separate food store, all of which they create when they dig their burrow.   Voles in popular culture Did you know the character known as Ratty in the famous 1908 children's book, The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, was inspired by a real-life water vole? The author, the former secretary of the Bank of England, retired to Berkshire, where he had grown up. He spent much time "messing around in boats", as he described it, by the River Thames. He used to tell his son Alastair bedtime stories about anthropomorphised animals who lived by the water's edge. They were based on the real-life animals he saw every day. He used them as the basis for his book, developing the lovable characters of Ratty, Mole, Toad and Badger into a timeless and charming tale for children.   Can anyone help with water vole conservation? If you're interested in finding out more about this endangered species, including how you can help, the People's Trust for Endangered Species is inviting the public to record any sightings of water voles. Take part in the new national monitoring programme by signing up at people’s trust for endangered species or get involved in other ways - including donations, fundraising events, or taking part in a training day about managing land to support wildlife. Next time you take a stroll by the riverbank, keep your eyes peeled! You might just see one of these adorable creatures.