Water voles are almost extinct - could glitter save them?

In Wales, water voles, which are small, furry animals that live near water, are facing a serious threat of extinction. Once abundant in many areas, these creatures have seen their populations decline dramatically, with the Wildlife Trust reporting that they have vanished from 90% of their habitats over the past three decades. To combat this alarming trend, conservationists have come up with an innovative and somewhat whimsical solution: feeding the water voles edible glitter. This glitter, which is safe for consumption and commonly used in cake decoration, is intended to help researchers track the movements of these elusive animals. The Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC) is spearheading this effort, hoping that the glitter will pass through the water voles and appear in their droppings, providing valuable data on their whereabouts. Rob Parry, the chief executive of INCC, explained that they consulted with veterinarians to ensure that the glitter would not harm the water voles. He noted that similar methods have been successfully used in the past with other species, such as badgers, where food pellets were used to track their movements. By adapting this idea for water voles, the team hopes to gain insights into their behavior and habitat preferences. The glitter could also be color-coded to help identify different families of water voles and their ranges. While the concept may sound lighthearted, the stakes are high. Understanding where water voles are located in the wild is crucial for implementing effective conservation measures. For instance, if researchers can pinpoint their habitats, they can take steps to improve their environment, such as removing invasive plant species or protecting certain areas from livestock grazing. These actions could create a safer and more suitable habitat for the water voles, allowing them to thrive. The edible glitter is applied to apple slices, a treat that the water voles enjoy, even though it is not part of their natural diet. Richard Davies, who is involved in a project to reintroduce water voles into the wild, mentioned that the animals are fed a diet of apples, carrots, and some rabbit food in captivity. While they have successfully bred many water voles, releasing them into the wild does not guarantee their survival. Predators in the UK, such as birds and other animals, pose a significant threat to the water voles, and they must be able to adapt to these dangers. Rob Parry emphasized that human activities have contributed to the decline of water voles, and it is our responsibility to help them recover. He described the situation as a 'perfect storm' of challenges, including habitat loss and the introduction of the American mink, a predator that has devastated water vole populations. However, there is a glimmer of hope. The water voles have shown interest in the glittery food, which is a positive sign for the conservation team. After just 24 hours, they discovered a small piece of droppings that contained glitter, indicating that the experiment was successful. The team was thrilled to see this result, as it opens up new possibilities for tracking and protecting these endangered animals.