Described so recently that it is one of the most newly recognized voles in all of south-western Europe, it was separated from almost identically looking Iberian relatives only after genetic analysis revealed differences marked enough to treat it as a distinct species rather than a mere southern population of an already known vole. It lives in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, in an area that partially overlaps with sister species from which it is virtually indistinguishable at first glance—a pattern repeated across several groups of small Iberian mammals that illustrates how long it has taken to clarify the true diversity of voles in the region. Because it was described so recently, much of its biology in the wild has yet to be documented in the same detail as that of its better-known relatives.
A small rodent with greyish-brown fur and a compact body, very similar in appearance to other Iberian voles with subterranean or semi-subterranean habits. It is virtually indistinguishable at first glance from sister species with which it shares part of its range in the south of the Iberian Peninsula; reliable identification requires genetic analysis.
Small tracks and signs: track 1.5-2 cm, with 4 foretoes and 5 hind toes. Small, rounded droppings, 3-4 mm long, deposited inside or beside a shallow subterranean burrow system. It creates mounds of excavated soil on the surface as a sign of its digging activity, similar to those of other Mediterranean vole species of semi-subterranean habits with which it shares part of its range.
Soft soil in agricultural areas, scrubland and meadow in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, from lowlands up to mid-mountain zones. Distributed across the south of the Iberian Peninsula, within a range that is still being refined following its recent recognition as a distinct species.
Subterranean herbivore, feeding on roots, bulbs and stem bases of the vegetation amongst which it lives.
Lives in family colonies within a subterranean burrow system, with habits generally similar to those described for other related Mediterranean vole species. Because it was recognised so recently, many details of its social and reproductive behaviour have yet to be specifically studied.
Considered a widely distributed species within its known range with no major threats documented at present, although the paucity of specific studies following its recent taxonomic separation limits precise knowledge of its true status.
Agricultural intensification in parts of its range, although the lack of specific studies prevents a detailed assessment of the true extent of the threats it faces.
See all species accounts for rodents · Full species index
Mammaling is a free app for logging the mammals you find. You record a sighting in a moment — even if it's just a track — your life list grows, and the record becomes available to scientific and conservation projects.
It runs on your phone with nothing to install. If you like, it adds to your home screen like any other app.
Open Mammaling