Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ Once teetering on the brink of local extinction, water voles—Britain’s fastest-declining mammal—have been unexpectedly found thriving in the uplands of south Wales. This groundbreaking discovery could serve as a pivotal moment in the battle to prevent the complete extinction of these semi-aquatic rodents.
Traditionally spotted along the riverbanks of Wales, water voles are now establishing colonies in the valleys of the Rhondda and Afan uplands. Conservationists believe these remote, higher-altitude habitats may offer a critical lifeline, providing refuge from predators and environmental threats that have decimated their populations elsewhere.
Robert Parry, Chief Executive of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC), hailed the discovery as “huge,” emphasizing its significance in water vole conservation. “We didn’t know they were up there. They’re on the verge of extinction, and we’ve been searching for them for decades,” he explained.
The extensive survey, spearheaded by INCC and funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund, began in May 2024, meticulously exploring marshes, peat bogs, and ditches across the upland landscape. The results have exceeded expectations, with 20 new water vole colonies recorded so far. This brings the total number of colonies identified in recent years to more than 40, confirming the uplands as a newfound haven for the species.
Water voles, also known as water rats, were once a common sight across the UK, but habitat destruction and predation by the invasive American mink have led to a catastrophic 90% decline in their numbers over the past three decades. American minks are formidable predators, capable of wiping out entire vole populations within days. However, they tend to avoid upland environments, giving water voles a much-needed sanctuary where they can breed and expand their range without the imminent threat of predation.
Eliza Chapman, Conservation Officer at INCC, expressed hope that this discovery could play a vital role in preventing the local extinction of water voles. “This work is not just about survival; it’s about helping water voles reclaim lost ground. Their presence is crucial in maintaining the ecological balance of upland environments,” she said.
Indeed, water voles are ecosystem engineers. As they dig burrows and feed on vegetation, they enhance wetland habitats, promoting biodiversity and supporting countless other species. Their resurgence in the uplands is not only a victory for conservationists but also a promising sign for the wider ecosystem.
Moving forward, efforts to safeguard these newly discovered colonies will be critical. Conservationists are calling for continued habitat protection, proactive measures against mink populations, and further research to understand how upland environments can best support water vole resurgence.
The rediscovery of water voles in south Wales’ uplands offers a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle to conserve the UK’s most threatened mammal. If these colonies can be nurtured and expanded, they may well represent the species’ best chance at long-term survival in Wales.
