Project aims in active protection of Spotted Souslik (spermophilus suslicus) by protecting it?s habitats, reintroduction and breeding.
Spotted Souslik in the latest Polish Red Book of Animals was moved from status "vulnerable" into ""endangered", , on the list of WCU World Conservation Union is listed as VU vulnerable.
Main activities and targets of the rpoject are:
- recultivation and moving of typical souslik habitats in order to preserve in order to secure typical functioning of animal in colonies;
-growth of souslik population in areas under project;here one of tool is resettlement of souslik from Swidnik airport where colonies are overpopulated and exposed to predators (birds, also cats, dogs) to Gliniska, historical habitat of souslik;
-restitution and stabilisation of pasture functions with cattle and sheep;
-creation of reserve genetic pool (resources) through the establishment the only in Europe souslik vivarium breeding in Zamosc ZOO;
-wide educational actiities based on ZOO capacity (many visitors!)-information on souslik habitat preferences and necessary protection activities to inform wide audience to better understand the aim of souslik protection as the only relict representative of steppe fauna
Project will be implemented in close cooperation with the Voivodship Officer for Nature protection , Zamosc Group of landscape Parks,the Ecofun and Voivodshi Fund for Environmental protection, Village Communities in spotted spuslik habitats.
Educational materials are planned;brochure (updated vesion, book - the first monography in Poland), poster.