The water vole has disappeared from some of its habitats

British Waterways, responsible for the UK's canals and rivers, is launching a survey of water voles and other wildlife on its property.

The animal, portrayed as Ratty in the Wind in the Willows stories, has seen its habitats disappear and has become prey for the non-native American mink.

The organisation says knowing where voles live is key to their survival.

The body's National Waterway Wildlife Survey aims to halt the further decline of the water vole by identifying the areas where they live and the places that should be protected.

Precise locations

Mark Robinson, ecologist for British Waterways, said he had a "good idea where some water voles are".

"But the millions of people who visit our waterways can help us to identify their precise locations.

"If we don't know where populations of water voles or other birds and animals live, we can't help protect them."

The organisation will add information and sightings to its species database, which documents biodiversity on inland waterways.

But experts warn that "vole-watchers" should be careful not to mistake the animals for brown rats.

They say the vole has small hidden ears, silky brown fur, a blunt nose and a short furry tail, whereas the brown rat has big ears, grey-brown fur, a pointed nose and a long, pink, hairless tail.

Water voles also feed on vegetation whereas rats are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods.