Ukrain Part 2: Squirrels of the grasslands

Although from the perspective of a resident in Britain or most of western Europe the word “squirrel” immediately conjures up a picture of an animal in a tree, terrestrial and usually burrowing squirrels are widespread across the world in semi-deserts and grasslands . Most of these belong to the tribe Marmotini, which includes the highly colonial prairie dogs of North America and the less sociable, but larger, marmots. Ukrains with its extensive grasslands is home to four species, the large Bobak Marmot Marmota bobak and no less than three species of smaller ground squirrels or sousliks in the genus Spermophilus. 

Bobak (Steppe) Marmot

Bobak Marmots are very large for a squirrel – reaching over 7kg and a body length approaching 60cm, and like their relatives are keen burrowers. Their burrows can reach 3m deep and over 20m long, and constitute important refuges for other steppe animals, as well as affecting hydrology of the steppe. They are vegetarian, feeding on grasses, seeds, and various herbs, and are active by day. 

They are sociable creatures, with a typical family group consisting of an adult male, a few females, plus offspring of various ages. Young disperse to start families of their own at around 3 years old. Within a given area the families will usually be within visual or auditory contact, as they need to keep a sharp lookout for predators. These might include wolves, foxes, and various birds of prey such as Eastern Imperial Eagle, and in the east of their range even Snow Leopards. 

M.bobak range

The range extends from Ukraine in the west, where ploughing up of grasslands has severely impacted the range, into central Asia, with most of the modern population being found in Kazakhstan. In history they are most important as, along with related species, being a natural reservoir for bubonic plague. 

Much smaller than marmots are the various species of susliks. These small ground squirrels are mostly around 25cm long or less. Like the marmot they hibernate for long periods – often more than half the year – which is how they avoid the long cold winters. Given its location Ukraine is home to no less than three species, although they are adapted to slightly different habitats and climates and consequently mostly do not compete directly.

European Souslik

Currently classed as Endangered, The European Souslik S.citellus has the most westerly range, extending as far west as Austria and north into Poland. 

European Souslik range

Like their larger relatives the marmots they feed on grasses, seeds and flowers, but also feed on various invertebrates. They are dependent on short vegetation which enables them to keep watch for predators such as raptors, foxes, or weasels and agricultural intensification has seriously impacted their range. They can spend 6 months of the year in hibernation in their burrows. These are not as deep as those of the marmots but can still extend for many metres underground. 

Spotted Souslik

Preferring taller and coarser grassland than the European Souslik, Spotted Sousliks otherwise have a similar lifestyle. Their range extends more to the north and east into European Russia and Poland where grassland can be found. It faces the same sort of problems as its relative, and is currently classed as Near Threatened. 

Spooted Souslik range

Little Souslik

Not actually much smaller than its relatives, the Little Souslik is the most arid-adapted of the three species, and is found in dry grassland and semi-desert into central Asia. Given the extremes of climate it has to deal with it not only hibernates but also aestivates in the summer, with the result it may only be active above ground only a few months out of each year. The years of excavation of their burrows results in characteristic mounds used by generations of animals, and these can be many metres in diameter. From these low mounds the souslik keeps watch over the surroundings, ready to give a warning whistle when danger is seen. 

Little Souslik range

Ploughing up of the steppe and changes in farming practises, especially grazing and livestock numbers, is the main threat to all these grassland rodents. At least they are diurnal and consequently known to local people. Below ground, another set of rodents is far less obvious, and it is to these I will turn next time.