Bank vole

The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) is a small rodent belonging to the family Cricetidae. It is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia, inhabiting a variety of environments including woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. The bank vole is known for its reddish-brown fur, short tail, and small ears.

Description

The bank vole is a small mammal, typically measuring 9 to 11 cm in body length, with a tail length of 3 to 5 cm. It weighs between 15 and 40 grams. Its fur is reddish-brown on the back and greyish-white on the belly. The bank vole has a blunt snout, small eyes, and ears that are partially hidden by its fur.

Habitat and Distribution

Bank voles are widely distributed across Europe, from the British Isles to Russia, and are also found in parts of Asia. They prefer habitats with dense ground cover, such as deciduous and mixed woodlands, but can also be found in hedgerows, gardens, and grasslands. They are adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.

Behavior

Bank voles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet of seeds, fruits, leaves, and roots. They are known to store food for the winter months. Bank voles are active throughout the year and are mainly crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk.

Reproduction

The breeding season for bank voles typically runs from March to October. Females can have multiple litters per year, with each litter consisting of 3 to 7 young. The gestation period is about 18 to 20 days, and the young are weaned after 2 to 3 weeks.

Ecological Role

Bank voles play a significant role in their ecosystems as prey for a variety of predators, including birds of prey, foxes, and weasels. They also contribute to seed dispersal and soil aeration through their burrowing activities.

Conservation Status

The bank vole is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its wide distribution and large population. However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation.

Also see

• Rodent
• Cricetidae
• Woodland ecosystem
• Seed dispersal