Home › Mammalia › Cricetidae › Southern Water Vole (Arvicola sapidus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Southern Water Vole (Arvicola sapidus)
Arvicola
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
SW Europe
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Rivers, wetlands, marshes
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Cricetidae
GENUS
Arvicola
📋 Description
SIZE
15-25 cm body, 100-250 g
COLORATION
Dark brown, short tail
ADAPTATIONS
Swimming, burrowing along water
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rivers, wetlands, marshes
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
SW Europe
REPRODUCTION
4-8 young, multiple litters
DIET DETAILS
Aquatic plants, grasses
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, pollution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The southern water vole is larger than the northern species and is restricted to SW Europe. It lives in burrows along riverbanks.
2
It is threatened by habitat degradation and is a good indicator of wetland health.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Camargue France
Doñana Spain
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look along rivers and wetlands; listen for splashing.
