Impact of management measures on the European ground squirrel population development

Abstract

In the past, the European ground squirrel represented a common part of Slovakian fauna. During the 20th century, there was a substantial decrease in its number, mainly due to the intensification of agriculture. Currently, several programs focused on the recovery and preservation of ground squirrel colonies have been implemented. The aim in supporting the population of the European ground squirrel is to increase the number of birds of prey and to ensure a food base for them. In this paper, we focus on evaluating the success rate of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) management measures. The research was realized at two localities in the Protected Bird Area Slovenský kras (Hrhov and Gemerská Hôrka) in the years 2015–2018. Activities were focused on the management of grassland and supplemental feeding during the breeding period. As a result of the management measures and the supplemental feeding, we managed to maintain a positive trend in the populations’ development, as there was an increase observed in all the monitored seasons.

European Ground Squirrels at the Edge: Current Distribution Status and Anticipated Impact of Climate on Europe’s Southernmost Population

“…Abandonment of rural land has been linked to a decline in farmland species and biodiversity [83][84][85][86], and this may be the cause for at least some of the observed extinctions within European ground squirrel natural habitats. The systematic management of natural or semi-natural grasslands is needed, ensuring that areas with European ground squirrel colonies are either mowed or grazed frequently enough to maintain a suitable food vegetation structure [87,88]. For such a measure to be sustainable, areas with the European ground squirrel's presence should be recognized as high-value farmland (HNVF) to increase the viability of extensive livestock farming [89,90].…”