Study

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.

Actions

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
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. 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)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust