Southwestern water vole, Southern water vole
Arvicola sapidus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwestern_water_vole
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Southwestern water vole faces severe population declines across its Iberian Peninsula range due to extensive habitat degradation and fragmentation of riparian ecosystems. Agricultural intensification and urban development have destroyed critical wetland corridors, while water extraction and dam construction have altered natural flow regimes essential for the species' survival. Climate change compounds these pressures by reducing water availability in already stressed Mediterranean watersheds, forcing populations into increasingly isolated habitat patches.
Habitat
The Southwestern water vole inhabits riparian zones along rivers, streams, and wetlands throughout the Iberian Peninsula, requiring dense vegetation cover along waterways for shelter and food. It prefers areas with stable water levels and abundant emergent vegetation, including reed beds, sedge marshes, and gallery forests adjacent to permanent or semi-permanent water bodies.
Other threatened species in Cricetidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Southwestern water vole, Southern water vole classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Southwestern water vole, Southern water vole live?
What are the main threats to Southwestern water vole, Southern water vole?
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