WATER VOLES. Written and illustrated by Rob Strachan.

1997 1st edition. 8vo paperback (148 x 209mm). Pp96. B/w illustrations by the author, bibliography.

One of Whittet's excellent British Natural History Series". Few have devoted time to research on the water vole, but Rob Strachan is one of its champions. He has spent the last seven years studying their ecology, biology and habitat requirements, and is the principal author of the Biodiversity Action Plan for water voles. As well as prescribing measures to help water voles, he unveils the secrets of its way of life, habits and character". Chapters include; Ratty; What is a water vole?; Where do they live; Watching and looking for water voles; What do they eat?; Social life and behaviour; Scientific studies; The water vole calendar; Water vole surveys; How many are there in Britain?; Changing fortunes of Ratty; Pointing the finger of blame; Vole au vent; Predation by American mink; Ratty on a tightrope; Practical conservation; A brighter future for Ratty?; Vole sanctuaries; Reintroduction and translocation; Epitaph; Useful information.