Common vole

Scientific name: Microtus arvalis

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In the British Isles the common vole is restricted to Guernsey (M. a. sarnius) and eight of the Orkney Islands (M. a. orcadensis) - where it was introduced around 5,000 years ago. No other vole species are found on these islands.

Taxonomy chart

Animalia - Chordata - Mammalia - Rodentia - Cricetidae - Microtus - M. arvalis

Conservation status: UK Red List

England: N/A

Scotland: Vulnerable

Wales: N/A

Global: Least Concern

Species information

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

A Mammal Society study in 2018 indicated intensification of agricultural practices within its home range has a detrimental effect upon the vole population. 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.