Southwestern water vole

West vole ( Arvicola sapidus )

The western water vole ( Arvicola sapidus, formerly Arvicola amphibius) is a rodent of the genus voles. The species is endemic in southwestern Europe.

Description

With a body length of 17-22 cm, a tail length from 9.8 to 14.4 centimeters and a weight of 150 to 300 grams it is on average greater than the very similar Vole ( Arvicola amphibius). The tail is relatively long, pointed snout and the fur darker. It has 40 chromosomes, the Vole only 36 chromosomes.

Occurrence and life

She lives in France, Spain and Portugal. The western water vole is closely linked to rivers and swamps with dense vegetation. It is diurnal and nocturnal and swims well. Your changes are clearly visible in the vegetation. Its construction in the banks and has an underwater entrance and sometimes a vent passage. The nest may also be above ground, hidden in Grasbulten, marsh plants or hollow pastures. The transition system is sometimes branched and spread. Sometimes she puts on stocks. The western water vole is little loud joyful, occasionally be heard Pfeiflaute. The diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, rarely also takes animal diet Between March and October, the female raises three to four times two to eight young. It is little sociable and live in small family groups. Damage caused by this type are, in contrast to well-known for their root feeding Vole, not known.