Which IUCN recognized Arvicola species inhabits European mountain systems like the Alps?
Answer
*A. scherman*
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes three main species of water vole. Specifically, *A. scherman* is designated as the montane water vole, characterized by its habitat distribution across significant European mountain systems, including the Alps and the Pyrenees. In contrast, *A. amphibius* is the European or northern water vole covering much of Eurasia, while *A. sapidus* is the southwestern water vole restricted primarily to Portugal, Spain, and France. The text also notes that genetic studies, particularly mtDNA analysis, do not consistently support the full species elevation of *A. scherman*, though it is recognized as a distinct entity by the IUCN.
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