Ground Squirrel Monitoring – Schloss Hof Cycle Path
Client: Market Municipality of Engelhartstetten
Project Duration: 2020–2034
Project Description: The construction of the approximately 2.3 km long and 2.5 m wide cycle path around Schloss Hof marks an important step toward promoting sustainable mobility and enhancing regional quality of life. TB Raab GmbH has accompanied the project from the outset through ecological construction supervision, ensuring that nature and species protection were integrated from the very beginning.
Particular attention has been given to the population of European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus), numbering around 1,500 to 1,700 individuals in the Schloss Hof area. From 2022 to 2034, we are conducting comprehensive monitoring (see Fig. 1 for 2025): population counts, habitat mapping, as well as maintenance and development measures safeguard and actively enhance their habitat.
These efforts include the creation of a dedicated ground squirrel area with a connecting corridor, along with a maintenance concept involving regular mowing and the seeding of suitable forage plants. This project demonstrates how infrastructure development and nature conservation can successfully go hand in hand, creating lasting value for both people and nature.
Project Duration: 2020–2034
Project Description: The construction of the approximately 2.3 km long and 2.5 m wide cycle path around Schloss Hof marks an important step toward promoting sustainable mobility and enhancing regional quality of life. TB Raab GmbH has accompanied the project from the outset through ecological construction supervision, ensuring that nature and species protection were integrated from the very beginning.
Particular attention has been given to the population of European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus), numbering around 1,500 to 1,700 individuals in the Schloss Hof area. From 2022 to 2034, we are conducting comprehensive monitoring (see Fig. 1 for 2025): population counts, habitat mapping, as well as maintenance and development measures safeguard and actively enhance their habitat.
These efforts include the creation of a dedicated ground squirrel area with a connecting corridor, along with a maintenance concept involving regular mowing and the seeding of suitable forage plants. This project demonstrates how infrastructure development and nature conservation can successfully go hand in hand, creating lasting value for both people and nature.
Whether you’re interested in collaboration, project details, or expert consultation, we’re here to help.