Orkney Vole

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Orkney voles’ closest relatives are the common voles which are found throughout Europe but not in the British Isles. The Orkney vole is only found in Orkney Mainland, and the islands of Westray, Sanday, Rousay, Burray, South Ronaldsay and Eday. It is suggested that Orkney voles evolved from common voles which were brought over by Neolithic settlers up to 5000 years ago.
The Orkney vole is twice the size of the field vole which is found across the UK and feeds on roots and stems. As the islands’ only rodent to be active at day, it is an important food source for hen harriers and short-eared owls.

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