Locations
Speckled ground squirrel (Spermophilus suslicus)
If you are traveling across Belarus, Niasvizh is likely to make the top of your itinerary. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the opulent 16th-century Radziwill family palace, the town is surrounded by ancient parks and shrouded in the allure of local legends.
While the Niasvizh palace is one of the country’s most frequented attractions, there is a lesser-known treasure lies hidden in the grasslands just a few kilometers away.
Amidst the green carpet of grass, barely discernible to the untrained eye, live the last three remaining colonies of speckled ground squirrels, or sousliks. The largest colony, located on the outskirts of Jushavichy, is home to approximately five thousand of these elusive rodents.
Racing extinction
Brown-furred with distinctive white spots, the spotted souslik thrives across open landscapes with short grass like old trampled pastures and occasionally cultivated land.
Deemed a crop pest in the 20th century, in Belarus the species brought to near extinction. While it was included in Belarus’ Red Data Book, until recently, it was thought that no colonies survived.
Since 1960-s, Belarus’ spotted souslik population has declined by 90%.
Speckled ground squirrels dig a complex system of burrows and tunnels where they hide from predators and hibernate in winter.
In a remarkable turn of events, the “Hamster, Speckled Souslik, and Flying Squirrel: Save the Super-Rodents!” initiative - a project funded by the EU and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus - rediscovered the few existing habitats.
The area of approximately 100 ha has since then been placed under official protection. Plowing of agricultural land, urbanization, and predators were identified as the main threats to the species, prompting the implementation of special regulations in the fields where spotted souslik colonies were found.
Globally, the speckled ground squirrel’s fate is concerning. Across Europe, remaining souslik populations have fragmented and declined dramatically over the past few decades. In 2024, the IUCN Red List upgraded the souslik to ‘сritically endangered', just one step away from extinction in the wild.
Changing the narrative: From threat to driver of local growth
With their fluffy fur and big eyes, the rare rodents can hardly leave anyone indifferent.
Recognizing the power of ecotourism to boost conservation efforts while driving economic growth, UNDP and the UK Embassy in Belarus launched a new initiative in 2024. It not only aims to boost souslik conservation efforts but also to position it as a symbol of the Niasvizh district.
A short drive from the Radziwill Palace, the grasslands could be seamlessly incorporated into tourist routes, offering visitors a unique glimpse of these rare and cute creatures. Souvenirs and guided tours centered around the souslik could unlock new economic opportunities and create jobs for local communities.
First steps towards ecotourism
Taking steps in this direction, the initiative not only studied possible actions to enhance sousliks conservation but also laid the foundation for ecotourism development.
A potential tourist was meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact while still offering a chance to spot a souslik. Remarkably, human presence may even benefit the species by deterring larger predators such as foxes, ravens, raptors, and herons.
Local residents were placed at the heart of these efforts. A dedicated training course for future guides, designed as part of the initiative, equips locals with the skills to lead tours and raise awareness about the endangered species. Additionally, informational displays at local schools will inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Tourism and Conservation: A Delicate Balance
When managed with sustainability in mind, tourism can align economic growth with environmental stewardship, benefiting both local communities and wildlife. It can fund monitoring efforts, support research, and amplify public awareness - all critical to the souslik’s survival.
The story of Niasvizh’s sousliks is a testament to the potential for harmony between humans and nature. By safeguarding these tiny yet vital rodents, we not only preserve a unique species but also protect the broader ecosystem sousliks support. In doing so, they ensure that Niasvizh’s cultural and natural legacies endure for generations to come.
