Endangered water voles released on Longleat Estate
It's part of a new initiative to boost numbers of the iconic British mammal
A group of 50 endangered water voles have been released at Wiltshire's Longleat Estate as part of a major reintroduction programme for the iconic British mammals.
Water voles, made famous by Ratty in the book Wind In the Willows, have undergone one of the most serious declines of any wild mammal in Britain during the 20th century.
Once a familiar sight on our waterways, numbers have declined by up to 95 % in recent years due to habitat loss, predators like American mink and pollution.
A number of the animals released at Longleat were moved from a building site under licence from Natural England, while others are part of a captive breeding programme for the species.
Ten of the water voles were immediately released back into the wild, while the remaining 20 pairs were temporarily placed into holding pens to enable bonding time before being set free.
All the mammals are micro-chipped to help follow their breeding progress.
Longleat Keepers Alexa Maultby, Mark Tye, Head of Animal Operations Darren Beasley and Water Bailiff Nick Robbins, have been working alongside ecologists Coral Edgcumbe and Elle Adams from the Derek Gow wildlife consultancy on the project.
Head of Animal Operations at the Safari Park, Darren Beasley says it's an important step forward.
“This is the culmination of a long-term plan to return water voles to Longleat after an absence of many years"
“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a diverse habitat here on the estate and we’re hopeful this will allow these animals to prosper and become part of the local landscape once more.
“There will be a second planned release later in the summer to try and ensure the strongest and most genetically viable population possible”
In recent years Longleat has become something of a haven for native wildlife. In addition to the water voles, the estate is home to a breeding group of Eurasian beavers, otters, kingfishers and is regularly visited by white tailed eagles – part of another reintroduction programme based on the Isle of Wight.
Darren said it's great to be making such a difference
“While Longleat may be best known for being the first safari park to open outside of Africa and home to many exotic species, it’s also incredibly rich in wildlife and we are delighted to be working with UK-based conservation groups to help support and protect native animals.”
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