Water vole in Spain

Two species of water vole are present in Spain

  • water vole: rata topera: Arvicola terrestris

The water vole is present in the Cantabrian strip and the Pyrenees.

  • southern water vole: rata de agua: Arvicola sapidus

Entire Iberian Peninsula. The species enjoys a long culinary history and was the protagonist of Miguel Delibes seminal novel Las Ratas. Until recently, it was a popular dish in L’Albufera and the Delta del Ebro  Some Valencians claim the original paella was cooked with rice and water vole.

Miguel Delibes Las Ratas quote -comng soon
Mammals of Spain
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    • The Iberianature guide to Spain

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