Causes of Decline
Factors, which have contributed to the decline in water vole populations, include habitat loss and degradation, inappropriate water management and the non-native American mink. Since their introductions into the UK, this mink species has had a severe impact on the water vole populations and in some areas causing extinctions.
Water Voles are listed as UK BAP priority species although they have limited protection through British legislation and only their habitats are protected.