Summary
In Wales, water vole numbers have decreased by 90% over the past 30 years. Conservationists are using edible glitter to track these animals and gather data to help save them. They hope the glitter, mixed with food, will allow them to monitor vole movements through their feces.
Key Facts
- Water vole populations in Wales have dropped by 90% in 30 years.
- The Wildlife Trust reports these animals are nearly extinct in many areas.
- Edible glitter, safe for water voles, is used to track their movements.
- The method involves mixing glitter with food to identify vole locations via their waste.
- Conservationists use various glitter colors to track different water vole families.
- This tracking aims to inform habitat adjustments to aid vole survival.
- Testing started on captive-bred voles as part of a reintroduction project.
- Conservation efforts also involve examining habitat and addressing predator threats.
