Water on the Pasture – What Do Wells Have to Do with Ground Squirrels?

The CitellusLIFE project places great emphasis on the restoration and conservation of European ground squirrel habitats, as the survival of this strictly protected species is closely linked to the availability of suitable habitat conditions.

Over the coming years, the Bükk National Park Directorate will renovate 40 wells located within ground squirrel habitats in the Borsodi-Mezőség Landscape Protection Area, the Kesznyéten Landscape Protection Area, and the Tardi-legelő Nature Conservation Area.

One might ask: how are wells connected to the conservation of ground squirrels? Naturally, the purpose of renovating these wells is not for the ground squirrels themselves to use them, but rather to improve the living conditions of grazing livestock in these areas. By ensuring an adequate water supply, grazing can be maintained more sustainably, helping to preserve habitat conditions that are favourable for ground squirrels. Appropriate grazing keeps grassland vegetation low, which is essential for ground squirrels, as they primarily inhabit open areas with short grass. Maintaining the low vegetation structure preferred by ground squirrels can be achieved through grazing—primarily by sheep and cattle—or through regular mowing.

During the first six months since the project began, staff members of the Directorate surveyed potentially suitable wells within the project areas that could later help provide drinking water for grazing animals. A total of 51 such wells were identified and recorded, from which 40 will be selected for renovation. The survey, which started earlier this year, assessed, among other things, the technical condition, diameter, structure, and accessibility of the wells.

One of the most significant tasks during the remaining period of the project will be the renovation of the selected wells. These complex and large-scale works require a carefully planned process extending over several years, the results of which will support both nature conservation and, not least, agricultural objectives in the long term. By improving the conditions for keeping grazing livestock, the project will also help ensure the long-term maintenance of grasslands with the appropriate structure and height for ground squirrels—an essential requirement for the survival of this strictly protected species.

Photos: Péter Balázsi, Zsuzsanna Mónika Császár, András Kleszó, Mihály Nándor Seres, Gábor Soós