We’ve released 803 squirrels at an airport - here’s why

Summary

A unique conservation project at Bratislava Airport aims to protect the endangered European Souslik, a small ground squirrel facing extinction due to habitat destruction and agriculture. With the support of Mossy Earth and local partners, the project involves trapping and relocating squirrels to create new colonies and reinforce struggling populations. Over 800 squirrels were relocated in the first year to safer habitats, ensuring genetic diversity and long-term survival. This project highlights how unexpected places, like airports, can become vital sanctuaries for endangered species amidst the challenges of human development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Souslik (European ground squirrel) is an endangered species, crucial for maintaining biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.
• 😀 Bratislava Airport serves as a surprising refuge for the European Souslik, despite the busy and noisy environment.
• 😀 The European Souslik is a keystone species, supporting other species like solitary bees, lizards, and bumblebees by creating burrows.
• 😀 The population of European Sousliks has dramatically declined across Europe, with some regions seeing a 99% reduction in less than 50 years.
• 😀 Monoculture farming and habitat destruction have contributed to the decline of European Sousliks, similar to the fate of the passenger pigeon.
• 😀 Slovakia now has three metapopulations of the European Souslik, with some isolated colonies in need of reinforcement and genetic diversity.
• 😀 The goal of the rewilding project is to trap and relocate squirrels from thriving populations to establish new colonies and reinforce struggling ones.
• 😀 The project involves cooperation with local organizations like BROZ to help fund and manage the release of squirrels into new habitats.
• 😀 The team uses live traps to capture the squirrels, then transports them in stress-reducing boxes for release at carefully selected sites.
• 😀 The reintroduction of squirrels into new habitats is carefully managed to ensure they settle into existing burrows and are marked for monitoring.
• 😀 Over 800 squirrels were caught and released during the first year of the project, with further monitoring planned using tools like GoPro cameras.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the rewilding project at Bratislava Airport?

The main goal is to protect and increase the population of the endangered European Souslik (ground squirrel) by relocating them from the airport to new, safer habitats, and reinforcing struggling colonies in Slovakia.

Why is the European Souslik considered an important species in the ecosystem?

The European Souslik is a keystone species that creates habitats for other animals, such as solitary bees and lizards, by digging burrows. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity in the ecosystem.

How did the European Souslik population decline in Slovakia?

The population of European Sousliks in Slovakia declined drastically due to the spread of monoculture crops, which reduced the diversity of habitats. This, coupled with urbanization and agricultural expansion, led to their near extinction in many areas.

What are the key factors that make Bratislava Airport a viable location for the rewilding project?

Despite the busy nature of the airport, the open grasslands around it provide an ideal habitat for the Sousliks. The presence of a thriving population there serves as a source for reintroducing ground squirrels to other suitable areas.

What methods are used to trap and relocate the ground squirrels?

Specially designed live traps are used to capture the ground squirrels. Once trapped, they are placed in transport boxes and relocated to new habitats, where they are released into carefully chosen burrows that meet their needs.

How are the relocated squirrels monitored after they are released?

The squirrels are marked with unique identifiers, such as lighter markings on their fur, to track their movements and monitor how they integrate into the new populations. DNA samples are also taken for genetic monitoring.

What challenges does the project face in terms of the squirrels' adaptation to new habitats?

One challenge is that the squirrels may not immediately recognize the new habitat and could panic, running in the wrong direction. To prevent this, the team helps the squirrels find suitable burrows to settle into.

What role do Mossy Earth members play in the project?

Mossy Earth members contribute financially to support the project. Their monthly donations fund the trapping, relocation, and monitoring efforts, as well as the overall conservation goals of the rewilding initiative.

How many squirrels were successfully trapped and relocated during the first year of the project?

In the first year, over 800 squirrels were successfully trapped, relocated, and released into new habitats as part of the rewilding project.

What is the long-term goal of the rewilding project for the European Souslik?

The long-term goal is to create additional resilience for existing colonies, establish new colonies in suitable habitats, and ensure the genetic diversity of the species to prevent further population decline.