Population Decline of Ground Squirrels, Spermophilus (Rodentia, Sciuridae), in Ukraine and Forecasting Trends

Population trends of ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus, S. suslicus and S. pygmaeus) in Ukraine were assessed using census data from the Plant Protection Inspection Service (1937–2007). Comparing these data with observations from the first decades of the 21st century suggests that ground squirrel populations have declined significantly, with absolute numbers reduced by at least 0.2–0.9% and geographical ranges shrinking by 1–2.3 % compared to their historical levels in the mid-1950s. The current situation provides grounds for a negative forecast for the next few decades.