Water Voles: Threats and Behavior

The video discusses the characteristics and decline of water voles, highlighting their cute appearance and the significant drop in their population due to habitat degradation and predators like the American mink. Conservation efforts in Surrey, including habitat improvement and public involvement, are ongoing. Key signs to identify water voles include their burrows and droppings. The video emphasizes the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats.

What is a notable physical feature of water voles?

• They have long tails.

• They have bright blue fur.

• They have a round face and small furry ears.

• They are very small.

What percentage of sites have water voles disappeared from over a 10-year period?

• 10%

• 30%

• 50%

• 70%

What year was the last recorded sighting of water voles in Surrey?

• 2010

• 2008

• 2015

• 2005

What is one method used by the Surrey Wildlife Trusts to help water voles?

• Conducting over 100 surveys on river habitats

• Planting more trees

• Introducing new predators

• Building artificial nests

What is a key sign of water vole presence?

• Tracks in the snow

• Feathers scattered around

• Burrows the size of a tennis ball

• Large nests in trees

How do female water voles mark their territory?

• By digging large holes

• By making loud noises

• By squishing droppings with their hind feet

• By leaving feathers

What angle do water voles leave on vegetation they nibble?

• 90 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 30 degrees

• 60 degrees

What is one major threat to water voles?

• Habitat degradation and destruction

• Lack of food

• Too much sunlight

• Excessive rainfall

Which non-native species is a predator of water voles?

• European otter

• Asian carp

• American mink

• African lion

What happens to water voles when American mink are present?

• They migrate to other areas

• They disappear quickly

• They thrive and multiply

• They become more aggressive