Example 2

The Water Vole
The water vole was once a common sight on our riverbanks. However, a national survey in 1989 showed that water voles were missing from more than two thirds of the sites where they had been recorded previously. This disastrous decline is due to the loss and degradation of their riverbank habitat, an increase in water pollution levels and predation by introduced, non-native American mink.

 

This decline has spurred conservationists into action and steps are now being taken to halt the decline and ensure a future for the water vole. For example, the water vole is now a national priority for the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, resulting in local action plans being produced for the water vole across the country. You can help in the effort to save this important mammal by reporting any possible sightings of water vole and mink to your local conservation organisation such as Sheffield Wildlife Trust or English Nature