Environmental factors and intrinsic processes affecting habitat use of European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus): putting science into conservation practice

摘要: In my Ph.D. thesis I investigated a few factors that influence the habitat use of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus; as EGS hereafter) and Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni; GPD hereafter), two ecologically similar dwelling sciurids. attempted to show importance extrinsic intrinsic mechanisms by which association between squirrels is maintained. EGS strong preference for fresh Festuca pseudovina. Insulation property squirrels’ grass nests was superior constructed from dry only. Our results suggest may rely on dominant xeromorphic fescues meadows because their nest building. Consequently, it can be assumed populations will expand unoccupied areas survive longer-time reintroductions successful if characterized fescues. GPD mounds vigilance increases with taller vegetation. Vigilance more frequent directed outward individuals periphery than those in interior colony. we excavates about 6.5-16.6 m3/ ha/ year, so they considered ecosystem-engineers indeed. It possible estimate volume burrows our calculation method measuring amount subsoil displaced mound. Information applied monitor how size natural or artificial changes. Results translocation experiments showed release time should correspond morning activity peak EGS, burrow retention cap prevents panic reactions, angled medium-height (18 cm ± 12 SD) favour success critical period after release. Genetic diversity Hungary, Romania Austria higher Czech but all studied have relatively low heterozygosity comparison other Nevertheless, perhaps result simultaneously acting genetic neighbouring regions differ significantly. To summarize, are sensitive changes environmental factors, facilitating fluctuations population size. Ecological sensitivity, interacting “scramble-competition polygyny”, implies serious threat persistence species negative effects translocations regards aspects. This notion illustrated ongoing, rising isolation disappearance colonies.