In an effort to save endangered water voles in Wales from extinction, conservationists have implemented a unique solution – feeding them edible glitter. Once prevalent in south Wales, water voles have seen a drastic decline in numbers, pushing them to the brink of extinction as pointed out by the Wildlife Trust. The Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC) is spearheading this glittery initiative to track the elusive creatures in the wild as they strive to protect their future.
Rob Parry, the chief executive of INCC, consulted with vets to ensure that the edible and biodegradable glitter being used would not harm the water voles. Drawing inspiration from previous conservation projects, such as using pellets for badgers, they decided to employ glitter as a tracking method for water voles. By feeding the water voles glitter, it is hoped that their droppings will reveal valuable information about their movements and habits.
Different colors of glitter could potentially be used to track various families of water voles and monitor their range in the wild. The serious nature of this endeavor cannot be overstated, as the information gathered from tracking these creatures could lead to crucial conservation decisions, such as adjusting their habitat to promote their dispersion and survival. Mr. Parry emphasized the importance of understanding the territories and movements of water voles for effective conservation planning to ensure their well-being in the wild
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