The species was considered to consist of two allopatric chromosomal races (“arvalis” and “obscurus”: Wilson and Reeder 2005) but these are now treated as two distinct species (Tourgard et al. 2013).

Global and European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

This is a very widespread and common species with no widespread threats. It is assessed as Least Concern both globally and for the EU27 Member States.

Microtus arvalis is a European endemic species with a large range that extends from Spain across much of western, central and eastern Europe to central European Russia (Shenbrot and Krasnov 2005, Krystufek and Shenbrot 2022). Isolated subpopulations occur in the Iberian Peninsula, on Guernsey and on the Orkney Islands (where it was introduced prehistorically). It is absent from much of southern Europe, Fennoscandia, northern Russia, Iceland and the British Isles (except the Orkney Islands). The species occurs from sea level to 2,600 m (Spitzenberger 2001).

It is a common species throughout much of its range, with population densities of over 1,000 individuals per ha reported in peak years. Population densities may fluctuate markedly from year to year. The species is probably increasing in some parts of its range (B. Krystufek pers. comm.)

It is found in a wide variety of open habitats including moist meadows, pastures, forest-steppe, moist forest and sometimes agricultural areas, rarely in forest plantations. It feeds mainly on the green parts of grasses and herbaceous plants and is a serious agricultural pest in some areas (Zima 1999). Females produce three to four litters per year.

There are no known widespread threats to the species.

The species is not used or traded.

The species is present in many protected areas. It is often considered a pest as it damages crops.