What factor often proves to be the main limiting constraint for successful water vole colonization?
Answer
The quality and continuity of the vegetation corridor
While stable banks and permanent water are fundamental prerequisites, the single most crucial element dictating where water vole colonies can successfully establish themselves is the surrounding vegetation. Specifically, the quality and the unbroken continuity of the riparian vegetation corridor are paramount. This corridor provides necessary cover from aerial threats and stable ground for burrowing. This ecological requirement can often prove to be the limiting factor, sometimes carrying more weight than minor variations observed in water temperature or temporary changes in water flow rates.
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