Conservation of European ground squirrel (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Slovakia: results of current reintroduction programme

Published source details Löbbová D. & Hapl E. (2014) Conservation of European ground squirrel (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Slovakia: results of current reintroduction programme. Slovak Raptor Journal, 8, 105-112.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link

Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range

A replicated study in 2011–2014 of two grasslands in Slovakia (Löbbová & Hapl 2014) found that translocated European ground squirrels Spermophilus citellus bred in small numbers after four years of releases. Nine juveniles in four litters during the fourth year of releases were the first breeding evidence at one site (with 174 animals released up to then). At a second site, also during the fourth year of releases, a female with five young was the first breeding evidence (with 284 animals released up to then). Ground squirrels were translocated in 2011–2014. Some were lost to predators (e.g. red fox Vulpes vulpes and feral cat Felis cattus). Heavy rain in spring 2013 and 2014 may have reduced the population at one site. Grass cutting was required to maintain suitable habitat at one site. Ground squirrels were translocated from nearby donor sites, especially airfields. Monitoring focussed on burrows as well as counting individuals, aided by individual fur clipping patterns.

(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)