Field Vole (Microtus agrestis)

Field voles are among the most common mammals in the UK. Active both day and night, they feed on seeds, roots, and leaves.

Unlike some other small mammals, they are poor climbers and prefer to stay at ground level near their burrows. Frequently preyed upon by predators such as barn owls and kestrels, field voles often have short lifespans. They are known for their notably short tails, which are less than 40% of their head and body length.

While they favour ungrazed grasslands, they can thrive in any habitat with abundant grass, including woodlands and hedgerows.

• A dropping sample with sufficient biological material to be used as a reserve is required in case the extraction is unsuccessful the first time: the fresher a sample is, the more likely the test will be able to extract viable DNA.
• Other viable sample types include fur/hair, tissue and blood.
• Often an identified species in bat dropping analysis as well as through biological analysis.
• Samples can be taken using a biological sampling kit or using your own secure containers/resources.