“The burrows of animals reach 20 meters in length and are located at a depth of three meters, so they can have a positive effect on the soil.”, — write: www.unian.ua
The burrows of animals reach 20 meters in length and are located at a depth of three meters, so they can have a positive effect on the soil.
Environmentalists showed funny photos of marmots / photo facebook.com/rewildingUADespite the ongoing war in Ukraine, ecologists managed to record episodes of the mysterious life of steppe marmots, which were recently released into the protected Tarutyn steppe in Odesa region to restore the population in the region.As reported by the nature protection organization Rewilding Ukraine, which installed photo traps near the animal colony, steppe marmots are very social creatures, live together in groups and demonstrate interesting behavior. The animals caught in the lenses managed to show various manifestations of life – love, family relationships, playful fights, rest and guarding near burrows.
“Regardless of whether they are guarding their house or resting, these marmots are always busy,” ecologists state. The organization explained that 18 marmots (two groups) were released into the steppe to restore their population in the region. These animals play an important role in enriching biodiversity, helping to revive the steppe ecosystem.
“The Tarutyn Steppe is part of the rewilding landscape of the Danube Delta. Eighteen animals joined marmots that settled here earlier in 2020 to initiate a flourishing population of the species in the steppe. Next year, further animal releases are planned with the aim of creating a stable population of the species in this protected area.” , the message says.
It is noted that the Tarutyn steppe with an area of 5,200 hectares is one of the last well-preserved areas of the steppe in Ukraine and Europe, characterized by wide grassy plains. It is home to a wide range of species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. “Marmots help maintain a healthy steppe, they dig burrows and are an important link in local food chains. “This new release continues the marmot reintroduction program started in 2020 and will help to further increase the numbers and habitat of the species,” explains Rewilding Ukraine’s head of landscapes Delhi Saavedra
Marmots are also said to be important prey for animals such as wolves, foxes, and birds of prey, and are considered ecosystem engineers due to their active digging of the soil. Their burrows reach 20 meters in length and lie three meters below the surface of the earth, so they can have a positive effect on the soil and groundwater. In this way, the animals help spread seeds and create areas where different types of plants can take root.
The organization said that the marmots were released into a large enclosure in the Tarutyn steppe, where several artificial burrows were previously created for them. Some of these burrows are surrounded by netting that prevents the animals from leaving the burrow immediately, so they have time to adapt to their new home.
“They get used to a new place, create new burrows or build the ones we have prepared for them,” says Oleksandr Haydash, field worker of Rewilding Ukraine
It is clarified that the marmots released in 2020 have already formed several colonies in the enclosure, and have also built a colony outside it. They are doing well: in 2022, six baby marmots were born in one family, and also several babies in the following years.
Marmots were once widespread in Ukraine, but from the 19th century they quickly disappeared due to hunting and the development of agriculture. According to Rewilding Ukraine, currently stable populations of the species have been preserved only in the northeast of the country, although there have been attempts to return the species to other regions as well.
“The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the loss of significant areas of agricultural land, so many areas of the steppe and meadows in the country will be further plowed, destroying marmot colonies. Some steppe areas have also suffered as a result of hostilities… The Tarutyn Steppe, which is located far from the conflict zone, may become a refuge for marmots and other wild animals and help in post-war efforts to restore nature,” the organization said.
Interesting news – what has already been reportedAs a reminder, wild horses from Latvian nature reserves were settled in the Danube River delta as part of rewilding measures to support natural grazing. Animals that are descendants of tarpans bring many benefits, including reducing the risk of fires.
Specific types of fungi and insects thrive on horse manure, and various seeds also germinate in it. The nature protection organization Rewilding Ukraine recorded a herd of animals “walking” and feeding in a new place of residence – in a protected area in Odesa. Among the adult animals there are also babies.
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