40 Ground Squirrels Released Near Ivančice in the Brno Region to Boost Local Population

Conservationists have released 40 European ground squirrels into burrows near the town of Ivančice in the Brno region (South Moravia). The animals were initially kept in enclosed, prepared burrows so they wouldn't scatter immediately after relocation.

According to nature conservation representative Matoušová, the squirrels released today will receive supplementary feeding until winter sets in, so they can put on enough weight to survive hibernation safely. The animals are expected to dig their own network of burrows, which they'll use as winter dens.

Matoušová notes that the Ivančice site offers ideal conditions for the squirrels, including the short grass they prefer. Grazing on the surrounding slopes and maintaining a favorable habitat across roughly ten hectares is handled by a flock of 280 sheep, according to their owner, livestock farmer Bernard Macek.

For animals previously raised in the relative safety of zoos, life in the wild proves far harsher. "In enclosures, they're usually kept in some kind of display area where they're somewhat protected from predators, especially birds of prey," Matoušová explained. In the wild, ground squirrels also face threats from stray cats, while heavy downpours pose a serious risk to small, isolated colonies. Conservationists closely monitor whether the local population is growing or shrinking — the squirrels are fitted with microchips, allowing individual animals to be tracked when needed.

Ground squirrel colonies were once widespread across Bohemia and Moravia. However, during the socialist era, intensified agriculture wiped out many colonies, pushing the species onto the endangered list. Today, ground squirrels are found mainly around airports — for instance, in Brno-Medlánky, as well as in Vyškov and Břeclav in southern Moravia.

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Source: ekolist.cz