The LIFE Syseľ project is a European Union-funded conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the critically endangered European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus). The project targeting Slovakia, Czechia, and Poland helps to restore natural grassland habitats and translocate populations to ensure the species' survival. Historically common in Central Europe, the European ground squirrel (locally known as "syseľ") became endangered due to massive shifts in post-war agricultural land use. Should the worrying trend of genetic drift and inbreeding continue, inevitably the remaining isolated populations in Slovakia would further shrink and eventually disappear.

The project is co-funded through a mix of European Union grants with financial contributions from different NGOs and social enterprises. It works closely with local farmers to implement eco-friendly grazing and mowing, keeping grass short enough for the squirrels to spot predators. Experts facilitate the translocation of ground squirrels between colonies to mix genetic material and improve overall health of the population.

As well as being a lovable, endemic animal, the European ground squirrel can, to some extent, be considered a keystone species. Although not fundamental for maintaining the ecosystem, its presence supports other species of mammals, birds, and insects and helps to limit the spread of invasive plant species.

Thanks to the project and hard work of many passionate collaborators the initiative has achieved remarkable success in reversing the decline of the population. More extinct colonies have already been successfully reintroduced into historically occupied territories via structured re-stocking efforts.

For more info see:

European Commission - Conservation of the European Ground Squirrel at the northwestern border of its range

BROZ - Conservation of European Ground Squirrels

MOSSY EARTH - Translocating European Ground Squirrels