Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4461
Title: Diet of the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) in the southern Pannonian plain
Authors: Arok, Maja
Nikolić, Tijana
Győri-Koósz, Barbara
Milinski, Lea
Ćirović, Duško 
Keywords: grasslands;dietary preferences;hibernators;microhistology;habitat management
Issue Date: 10-Feb-2021
Rank: M23
Publisher: Serbian Biological Society
Project: Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia; III 43002
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia; 451-03-68/2020-14/200125
Rufford Foundation Grants; 20110-2
European Ground Squirrel Conservation; 27898-1
Journal: Archives of Biological Sciences
Abstract: 
Overwinter survival of hibernators is directly influenced by the fat reserves accumulated during the active season. The European ground squirrel, Spermophilus citellus, an endangered flagship species of the open grasslands of central and southeastern Europe, is no exception. Considering anthropogenic changes affecting its habitats in northern Serbia, we studied the species’ feeding habits by subjecting its feces to microhistological examination. In addition to identifying plant remains in the feces, we examined the vegetation of the four study sites located inside a local mosaic of steppe and saline pastures. Our findings indicate that these remaining European ground-squirrel sites are diverse and stable grasslands covered by native flora that represents a complete dietary base for the species. The diet is dominated by a small number of plant species, specifically Achillea millefolium, legumes and grasses, with sporadic contributions from a number of other species. The diet of S. citellus also differs by location and season in that grasses dominate during the early season, while A. millefolium takes precedence later in the year. This dietary information is essential for the development of future species and habitat management strategies. In light of the predicted impact of climate change on grasslands in northern Serbia, our findings will be instrumental for translocations and conservation actions in the future.
URI: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4461
ISSN: 0354-4664
1821-4339
DOI: 10.2298/ABS201231007A
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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