NatureScot Archive Report 029: Orkney vole habitat guidance

The Orkney vole is unique to the Orkney Islands. As the only day-active rodent, this animal constitutes an important food item for birds of prey. It is likely that since the 1940s the vole population has declined substantially. Declines in the breeding population of hen harriers since the 1980s are thought to reflect a shortage of food, in particular Orkney voles.

If Orkney voles are to be protected, both as an endemic species and as a source of food for hen harriers and other birds of prey, action is required to protect and enhance the habitats upon which the voles depend. To this end, this report defines optimum vole habitat and management, and also describes a method for assessing and monitoring vole densities.

Pages: 40
Published: 2016