The releases are part of the Action Plan for this critically endangered species, coordinated by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (NCA CR). The implementation of the Action Plan is currently supported primarily through the Prospective LIFE project.

The first release took place on 16 July near the village of Milá in the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. A total of 77 ground squirrels were released at two sites established in previous years as part of the long-term effort to create a functional metapopulation in this area. The local steppe grasslands provide suitable habitat for the species. A large population already inhabits Raná Hill and the adjacent airfield, while four new colonies have been established a few kilometres to the north. "With appropriate habitat management, we expect these colonies to grow and gradually form a connected network rather than remaining isolated populations. Such interconnected populations are much more resilient to adverse environmental factors," explains Jan Matějů, author of the Action Plan and zoologist at the Karlovy Vary Museum.

The second release took place the following day near the town of Ivančice in South Moravia. Sixty ground squirrels were released at the Nad řekami and Biskoupky sites. Both localities represent historical ground squirrel colonies whose populations had declined to approximately 20 individuals each by 2024. They lie close to one another, and three additional colonies survive within a distance of 3 to 8 kilometres. The area therefore has good potential to support a viable network of populations. The first reinforcement of these colonies was carried out last year, and the initial results appear encouraging. As repeated releases over two consecutive years have proved successful at several other sites, the same approach was adopted again this season.

Ground squirrels have been released under the Action Plan every year since 2016. Animals are usually placed individually into pre-drilled burrows, which are temporarily closed with a plastic container to encourage them to remain at the release site. When new colonies are established, the animals are also protected during the first few days by a temporary enclosure with a wire-mesh barrier along its inner perimeter. Supplementary food and shelter, such as pallets filled with hay, are provided to help the animals settle successfully.

"Reinforcing small populations and establishing new colonies are just two of many measures implemented under the Action Plan," says Jitka Matoušová of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, coordinator of the Action Plan. "We regularly monitor populations, ensure appropriate grazing and mowing regimes, participate in research, and support breeding programmes in zoos and rescue centres. We are grateful to all our Czech and international partners that maintain genetically suitable breeding stocks. Without their long-term commitment, these releases would not be possible."

"Our priority is to maintain landscapes that support the greatest possible diversity of plant and animal life. Where this alone is not sufficient, targeted conservation measures such as the Action Plan become essential," says František Pelc, Director of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic. "Now in its third year, the Prospective LIFE project has also enabled us to support many other rare plant and animal species. When the Action Plan was launched more than fifteen years ago, the Czech population was estimated at around 3,600 individuals. Today, it has increased to almost 8,000. Although the conservation of this species remains a long-term challenge, these results clearly demonstrate that our efforts are paying off."

The ground squirrels released this year originated from breeding programmes at Zoo Hluboká nad Vltavou, Prague Zoo, Zoo Brno, Zoo Na Hrádečku, Nordens Ark, Bern Zoo, Opel-Zoo and GaiaZoo. Special thanks go to Zoo Hluboká nad Vltavou for coordinating the transport of animals from abroad. The Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic and the Karlovy Vary Museum have been working together on the implementation of the Action Plan for many years.
 

Photo Jitka Matoušková