Bank VoleBeing an incredibly widespread small brown rodent seen in a number of European and Asian habitats, the bank-vole. These ubiquitous animals are well-adapted to woodlands, hedgerows and even gardens.
A Master of Disguise
Bank VolesVery well hidden but not quite far enough! They have reddish-brown fur and they are well camouflaged with the forest floor. Most active at night, they come out after dark to scavenge for food and use their big eyes and sensitive whiskers to find their way.
A Versatile Diet
Bank Voles are omnivores and have a wide diet. They eat grains, fruits, insects and even small animals. Their powerful incisors literally cut through hard seed coats and their molars do the actual grinding and annexing.
A Complex Social Structure
Bank Voles Bank voles are social and live in … Read more » They build elaborate burrow systems for these purposes, to live in, defend themselves and store their food. And the skills of maintaining these burrows are very rich so it causes a cleaner and healthier as well whatever habitat. Among the members of these social groups, some individuals defend each other provide resources and take communal care for juveniles.
Conservation Concerns
Bank Voles themselves are not considered to be endangered and have a stable population, they do however face threats from habitat loss & fragmentation. Their populations are declining due to the destruction of hedgerows, intensified agriculture and pesticide use.
Conservation efforts to protect these species, by safeguarding and restoring their habitats It is essential that we focus on planting hedgerows, establish wildlife corridors and embrace more sustainable farming methods if Bank Voles are to survive for the long-term.
Ecology of Bank Voles
These little guys have an important role to play in their ecosystem. They help plants reproduce and regenerate forests as seed dispersers. Owls, foxes and weasels rely on microhylids for food to balance the ecosystem.
We learn their vital role in biodiversity and healthy ecosystems when we reflect on the ecology of Bank Voles.