CitellusLIFE

CitellusLIFE

Photo: Mátyás Fejér-Király

Ensuring viable European Ground Squirrel populations in the Pannonian region – CitellusLIFE – 101202727

Small mammals associated with steppes and grasslands are among the most threatened animals in Europe. Following a sharp decline in their populations during the 20th century, present-day economic development and the expansion of large-scale agriculture render their survival even more difficult. 

One such animal is the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), whose short-grass habitats are threatened by human intervention (construction, installation of solar parks, plowing of grasslands, development of the road network), lack of proper land management (abandonment of pastures), other natural processes (invasion of scrub, spread of invasive species), and the adverse effects of climate change.

Due to this, their habitat area has rapidly decreased since the middle of the last century, and ground squirrel habitats have become increasingly isolated. Despite all previous conservation efforts (for example the RAPTORSPREYLIFE project – https://sakerlife3.mme.hu/en/content/project-objectives), the global population of the European ground squirrel continues to decline. At the same time, its populations in the Pannonian region, and especially in Hungary and western Romania, may be essential for the survival of the species in Central Europe.

Tackling the above problems, a seven-year project was launched under the coordination of Herman Ottó Institute in Hungary, involving 11 expert organizations (including Milvus Group), with the aim of conserving the European ground squirrel in the Pannonian region. The main objective of the project is to ensure the survival of the three distinct genetic lines of European ground squirrels in the Pannonian region by expanding a conservation network created through the coordination of local efforts. As a project partner, Milvus Group plans to implement, among others, the following activities:
    • comprehensive study of ground squirrel habitats
    • estimating the size of ground squirrel populations
    • assessing the health status of ground squirrel colonies
    • identifying and mapping of threats
    • relocating ground squirrels from endangered populations
    • strengthening existing populations by introducing individuals from other colonies

Project information

Project title: Ensuring viable European Ground Squirrel populations in the Pannonian region

Project ID:  CitellusLIFE – 101202727

Project implementation period:  01 December 2025 – 28 February 2033 (87 months)

Partners
Coordinating beneficiary:
Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd.
Partner organizations:
Budapest Zoo Foundation (HU)
Budakeszi Wildlife Park (HU)
Bükk Mammalogical Society (HU)
Bükk National Park Directorate (HU)
University of Debrecen (HU)
Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate (HU)
HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HU)
Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate (HU)
Hortobágy National Park Directorate (HU)
Kiskunság National Park Directorate (HU)
Milvus Group Association (RO)

Project budget: €9,791,425.16 (of which Milvus Group: €540,838.73)

European Union funding: €7,343,568.85 (of which Milvus Group: €405,629.05)

Detailed and updated information will soon be available on the project website (currently under development). We will also regularly share updates about the activities carried out by Milvus Group within the project on our communication platforms: on social media (https://www.facebook.com/MilvusGroup) and on our website (www.milvus.ro).

Follow our communication channels and support us in protecting European ground squirrels!

Previous activities for the conservation of the species, here.

The implementation of the “CitellusLIFE” project was supported by Hungary’s Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development.

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