In summer 2013, we repatriated about 200 susliks into an area in Kiskunság National Park that had used to be land for crop production, but it was restored as a grassland in frame of a conservation project of Kiskunság National Park Directorate (KNPD). The recent conservation status of the area is very good, in some parts being already very similar to natural grassland. When deciding on the location of the repatriation, ground water level was also considered to prevent later problem. On the chosen location, there are extensive grasslands on higher ground (further away from ground water) that can ensure safe dormant period for susliks. Another important criterium was the long-term sustainability of grassland management by grazing or mowing, in order to provide short grass vegetation for the animals. The location is sfae, undisturbed and managed by KNPD thus protection and conservation of susliks in the area is ensured. The repatriation was encouraged by the telling local names like „Suslik-hill land” that refers to the time when susliks had inhabited the area, before the farmers' association ploughed it.
