Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Water vole \Wa"ter vole`\ (Zo["o]l.) See under Vole.
Wiktionary
n. 1 Any of three Old World vole species: the European water vole, ''Arvicola amphibius'' (formerly ''Arvicola terrestris'', the (vern: montane water vole) ((taxlink Arvicola scherman species noshow=1)), or the (vern: southwestern water vole), (taxlink Arvicola sapidus species noshow=1). 2 The North American rodent (taxlink Microtus richardsoni species noshow=1), which closely resembles the vole.
WordNet
n. common large Eurasian vole [syn: water rat, Arvicola amphibius]
of western North America [syn: Richardson vole, Microtus richardsoni]
Wikipedia
Water vole may refer to:
- In North America, the North American water vole (Microtus richardsoni)
- In Eurasia, the three species of the genus Arvicola:
- European water vole (Arvicola amphibius; previously Arvicola terrestris)
- Southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus)
- Montane water vole (Arvicola scherman)
The water vole (Microtus richardsoni) is the largest North American vole. It is found in the northwestern United States and southern parts of western Canada. This animal has been historically considered a member of genus Arvicola, but molecular evidence demonstrates that it is more closely related to North American Microtus species. Water voles are on the USDA Forest Service Region 2 sensitive species list because they maintain very small populations and there is high concern that their required habitat may be declining.
These animals have gray-brown or red-brown fur with gray under parts. Their large hind feet help make them excellent swimmers, and they are found in alpine or semi-alpine meadows near water. They feed on grasses, leaves, roots and seeds, also eating small invertebrates. Water voles dig subterranean burrows that are connected to water sources, and are considered a semi-aquatic species.
They are active year-round, tunneling through snow during the winter. Their burrows often have entrances at the water's edge or under water, and they usually live in colonies of 8-40 individuals along the waterway.