The water vole has experienced the greatest population decline of any British mammal over the last century. It is no longer found in around 90% of historical sites due to fragmentation and disturbance of riverside habitats and pollution.
These threats have been exacerbated by the spread of introduced American mink. Natural England 's Species Action Plan calls for the restoration of water voles to their former distribution utilizing translocation and reintroduction methods where appropriate. Paignton Zoo acts as a holding centre for water voles prior to release and also conducts all the necessary health checks. The vole enclosures are on display to the public to highlight the endangered status of this species in Britain.
