Challenges and opportunities in the translocation of grassland-dwelling subterranean mammals: The case of blind mole rats

Grasslands have been transformed into anthropogenic habitats worldwide and consequently have lost many species, including their ecosystem engineer species. European blind mole rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae) are an important biological component of grassland ecosystems, as their digging creates mounds of bare soil surfaces available for plant colonisation, they maintain soil structure, and provide a subterranean niche for other animals. Blind mole rats have long been persecuted, and many species are threatened by extinction as they only exist in a few small and isolated populations. The translocation of individuals for reintroduction or establishment of new populations is a promising tool for the conservation of rare and endangered species. As data regarding the translocation of blind mole rats or other strictly subterranean mammals has not yet been published, here we discuss the proposed methods and evaluate the results of seven translocation projects in Hungary between 2013 and 2024. We found that these projects varied greatly in their efficacy, and that habitat quality, the number and sex ratio of translocated animals, as well as survival during the first winter, were the decisive factors for success and failure. Translocations require the strict application of a detailed protocol, which covers the thorough assessment of the soil and vegetation quality of the target habitats, careful selection of source populations and individuals, timing of the capture and release, and the regular monitoring of translocation success. We developed recommendations for future translocation projects of subterranean mammals, a guild which is present in all open grassland ecosystems and is often threatened globally. • No studies on the conservation translocation of strictly subterranean mammals have yet been published. • We present seven such projects targeting blind mole rat species, which were performed in Hungary between 2013 and 2024. • Discussion of the methods used and evaluation of the results are provided. • Successful translocations require strict adherence to a detailed protocol, which encompasses surveys on the new habitat. • Recommendations have been developed for the future translocation of threatened subterranean mammals.