Effects of habitat quality upon reintroduction success in water voles: evidence from a replicated experiment

Published source details Moorhouse T.P., Gelling M. & Macdonald D.W. (2009) Effects of habitat quality upon reintroduction success in water voles: evidence from a replicated experiment. Biological Conservation, 142, 53-60.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release translocated/captive-bred mammals in areas with invasive/problematic species eradication/control Action Link

Release translocated/captive-bred mammals in areas with invasive/problematic species eradication/control

A replicated study in 2005–2008 at 12 riverside sites in the Upper Thames region, UK (Moorhouse et al. 2009) found following American mink Neovison vison control, captive-bred water voles Arvicola terrestris survived over 11 months at more than half of release sites. Water voles persisted over 11 months at seven out of 12 sites (58%). Voles were released at 12 sites where previous populations had been eradicated due to mink predation. Sites were >5 km apart and comprised suitable riparian habitat on which mink control took place. Either 44 or 45 voles were released at each site, in early May of 2005–2007. Release sites had 20–22 predator-proof release pens. Pens were 120 × 120 cm cross section, 60 cm high and buried 15–20 cm into the ground. Food and water was provided for seven days but most voles burrowed out of pens within 2–3 days. Voles were monitored monthly for five months post-release, using live traps, 15 m apart along each site, over four days. Sites were checked for vole signs in the April after release.

(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)