European Ground Squirrel

Why is the European ground squirrel important?

The European ground squirrel can be considered a keystone species, in that it plays a pivotal role in its own ecological system. Their underground burrowing significantly contributes to improving soil structure; ensures proper aeration; and, by directing precipitation into deeper layers, helps maintain soil moisture and reduces soil erosion. Abandoned burrows also provide habitats for other animals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. In addition to all this, the European ground squirrel is a particularly favoured prey of several rare and valuable birds of prey - primarily the saker falcon and the Eastern imperial eagle - as well as small terrestrial predators, such as the steppe polecat, which has been named “Mammal of the Year in 2026”. Furthermore, the European ground squirrel is an important indicator species for grassland ecosystems, in that it serves as a good indicator of the condition of a given ecological system. 

 

The conservation value of a single European ground squirrel is HUF 250,000 in Hungary!
The European (or, formerly, common) ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) was considered an agricultural pest until the middle of the last century and was even consumed as a traditional food. Due in part to uncontrolled hunting and largely to changes in land use, their numbers have drastically declined to this day. These small mammals, which have had enhanced protected status in Hungary since 2012, are now considered endangered worldwide!