What crucial feature do water voles need for secure excavation of their burrow systems?
Answer
Undercut banks
Water voles establish their extensive burrow systems by digging directly into the banks of their aquatic habitats. A prime characteristic of suitable habitat is the presence of undercut banks. This geological feature provides the secure structure necessary for excavation, allowing the voles to create sheltered, dry chambers beneath the stable soil mass. These burrows are essential for resting and nesting, with entrances frequently positioned just above the water line, making the undercut nature of the bank a non-negotiable requirement for colony establishment.
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