Interspecific Aggressive Behaviour of European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus Citellus L.)

ABSTRACT

Interspecific behaviour of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is still poorly studied. During behavioural studies of free-ranging European ground squirrels tree kinds of aggression to other vertebrate species: reptile, bird and mammal (Lacerta trilineata, Corvus frugilegus, Mustela nivalis) have been described. To our knowledge, this is the first field study describing interspecies aggressive behaviour in S. citellus. The description of this behaviour may have important implications for interpreting studies on interspecies competition and interactions, behaviour activity, and predation in this rear and threatened semi-fossorial rodent.

Keywords:

• Spermophilus citellus
• aggressive behaviour
• Lacerta trilineata
• Corvus frugilegus
• Mustela nivalis