Scottish Name: Voloo, Volo, Cuttick, Cuttoo. Statistics: Large males weigh up to 90g (compared to 40g for field voles).
Historic bones suggest they may have been even larger in Neolithic times.
Physical Description: The Orkney vole is a distinct subspecies of the
Common Vole, similar to the vole found in Guernsey.
Scottish Distribution: Orkney mainland, Rousay and South Ronaldsay. A related
subspecies, M. arvalis sandayensis, is restricted to Westray and Sanday.
Habitat: Once widespread even in agricultural crops, the Orkney vole is
now limited to rough grassland, moorland and wetland.
Diet: The Orkney vole feeds on plant material, cereals and seeds.