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Marmot

Marmots are robust, burrowing rodents of the genus Marmota in the squirrel family Sciuridae, recognized as the largest members of this family, with 15 extant species distributed across the Holarctic realm, including North America, Europe, and Asia.^[1] These diurnal herbivores inhabit diverse open landscapes such as alpine meadows, steppes, tundra, and forest edges, where they excavate complex burrow systems for protection, thermoregulation, and extended hibernation periods lasting 5 to 8 months in northern populations.^[2] Adapted to cold climates, marmots exhibit social behaviors ranging from solitary to colonial living, with vocal repertoires used for alarm calls and territory defense, playing key ecological roles as prey for predators and soil aerators through their digging activities.^[3] Physically, marmots feature stout bodies, short legs, and strong claws suited for digging, with head-body lengths typically ranging from 30 to 70 cm and tail lengths of 10 to 25 cm; adults weigh 2 to 8 kg, though this varies by species and season, peaking before hibernation.^[4] Their fur is coarse and dense for insulation, often exhibiting species-specific colorations from grizzled browns to yellowish undersides, and they possess a dental formula of 1/1, 0/0, 2/1, 3/3 adapted for grinding vegetation.^[3] During the brief active season, they forage on grasses, forbs, flowers, and occasionally insects, accumulating fat reserves essential for surviving hibernation without eating or drinking.^[3] Reproductively, marmots are polygynous, reaching sexual maturity at 2 years, with gestation periods of about 30 days and litters averaging 4 to 6 young after spring emergence from hibernation; northern species may skip breeding in harsh years to prioritize survival.^[3] Their evolutionary history traces back to the Miocene, with diversification driven by Pleistocene glaciations, leading to allopatric distributions and specialized adaptations like communal hibernation in some species to conserve energy.^[1] Conservation concerns affect a few species, such as the endangered Vancouver Island marmot (population ≈200 as of 2025), which has benefited from recovery efforts including captive breeding and reintroductions despite ongoing threats from habitat loss, predation, and climate change.^[2]^[5]

Taxonomy and Phylogeny

Taxonomic Classification

The genus Marmota belongs to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, suborder Sciuromorpha, family Sciuridae, subfamily Xerinae, and tribe Marmotini.^[6]^[7] This placement situates marmots among the rodents, specifically within the squirrel family, where they form a distinct tribe characterized by terrestrial adaptations. Marmots stand out from other ground squirrels in the Sciuridae family due to their notably large size and specialized burrowing habits, which emphasize extensive underground living over arboreal or semi-fossorial lifestyles.^[8]^[9] Defining morphological traits of the genus include a robust, stocky build suited for digging and hibernation, along with the absence of functional cheek pouches for food storage.^[10] The dental formula is I^{1/1} C^{0/0} P^{2/1} M^{3/3}, totaling 22 teeth, with high-crowned molars adapted for grinding vegetation.^[9]^[11] Currently, 15 species are recognized within the genus Marmota, distributed across Eurasia and North America, reflecting its Holarctic range.^[12] The crown group of the genus originated approximately 6–8 million years ago during the late Miocene.

Species and Subgenera

The genus Marmota is recognized to include 15 extant species by Thorington and Hoffmann (2005).^[13] These species are classified into two primary subgenera based on morphological and molecular evidence: the nominate subgenus Marmota, which encompasses Eurasian and select North American forms, and Petromarmota, which is restricted to high-elevation North American species.^[14] The division into these subgenera reflects adaptations to diverse habitats, from lowland forests to alpine meadows.^[15] The subgenus Marmota includes the European alpine marmot (M. marmota), known for its social colonies in mountainous regions up to 3,000 meters, and the bobak marmot (M. bobak), a steppe-dweller in central Asia with burrows extending over 10 meters.^[13] Asian representatives in this subgenus, such as the Himalayan marmot (M. himalayana) inhabiting elevations above 4,000 meters in the Himalayas and the Mongolian marmot (M. sibirica) in arid grasslands, exhibit robust builds suited to extreme climates.^[13] In North America, the woodchuck (M. monax), the only lowland species in the genus, ranges across eastern forests and farmlands, distinguished by its extensive hibernation periods lasting up to seven months.^[13] The subgenus Petromarmota comprises four North American species adapted to montane environments, including the hoary marmot (M. caligata), which occupies coastal mountains and rocky slopes from Alaska to the Cascades, and the Olympic marmot (M. olympus), endemic to the Olympic Peninsula with a social structure involving family groups of up to 36 individuals.^[13] The yellow-bellied marmot (M. flaviventris) is widespread in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, favoring open meadows near talus slopes for its colonial burrows.^[13] Among North American endemics, the Vancouver Island marmot (M. vancouverensis) is unique as Canada's largest island-endemic mammal, restricted to subalpine meadows on Vancouver Island and distinguished by its genetic divergence from mainland congeners, resulting from isolation approximately 10,000 years ago.^[16] This species, weighing up to 8 kg. Phylogenetic analyses using ultraconserved elements confirm the monophyly of Petromarmota, highlighting its divergence from the Marmota subgenus during Pleistocene radiations.^[17]

Evolutionary History

Marmots (genus Marmota) originated in western North America during the late Miocene, approximately 6 to 8 million years ago, as indicated by molecular clock estimates and the limited fossil record.^[18] This timeframe aligns with the emergence of the crown group, marking the divergence of modern marmot lineages from earlier sciurid ancestors. The fossil record of marmots is sparse but supports a North American origin, with the earliest confirmed specimens dating to the mid- to late Miocene in regions such as Nevada and Oklahoma.^[19] For instance, Marmota minor from late Miocene deposits around 8 million years ago represents one of the oldest known species.^[20] Subsequent Quaternary fossils from periglacial environments in Eurasia suggest post-Miocene dispersal across the Bering Land Bridge, occurring between 6 and 3 million years ago.^[17] This migration facilitated the genus's expansion into Asian and European habitats during the Pliocene.^[18] Key evolutionary events include the radiation of marmot lineages into Eurasia during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition, driven by climatic shifts toward cooler conditions. Adaptations to cold climates, such as enhanced hibernation and burrowing behaviors, likely evolved in response to Pleistocene ice ages, enabling survival in high-altitude and northern latitudes.^[18] Phylogenetic analyses reveal basal clades centered in North America, with Asian and European species deriving from subsequent dispersals, as evidenced by molecular data showing divergence times around 5 to 7 million years ago for major branches. These patterns underscore a history of vicariance and adaptation tied to global cooling.^[17]

Physical Characteristics

Morphology and Size

Marmots are characterized by a robust, stocky build suited to their terrestrial lifestyle, featuring short, stout legs, large paws, and strong, curved claws that facilitate burrowing.^[3]^[21] Their body length generally ranges from 30 to 70 cm, with a bushy tail adding 10 to 25 cm, and adults weighing 3 to 8 kg on average.^[22]^[3]^[23] Larger individuals, particularly males of North American species like the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata), can exceed 10 kg in body mass.^[24]^[21] The dense fur covering their bodies varies in coloration and texture across species, providing a grizzled appearance in the hoary marmot with its mix of black, white, and brownish hues, while the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) displays buffy yellowish patches on the neck and a yellowish belly contrasting with darker dorsal fur.^[21]^[3] This fur consists of a soft undercoat and coarser guard hairs, with annual molts influencing seasonal appearance.^[3] Head morphology includes small, rounded, well-furred ears, a blunt muzzle, and prominent large incisors typical of rodents.^[21]^[3] Sexual dimorphism is subtle, mainly evident in males' greater body weight compared to females, with minimal differences in other external features.^[3]^[21] Across the genus, North American species such as the hoary and Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) are generally larger in size than some Asian forms like the gray marmot (Marmota baibacina), reflecting regional evolutionary divergences.^[24]^[25]

Adaptations to Environment

Marmots exhibit specialized burrowing adaptations that facilitate the construction of extensive underground networks in rocky or frozen soils. Their forelimbs are short and muscular, equipped with thick, curved claws on all digits except the thumb, which bears a flattened nail, enabling efficient excavation and soil displacement.^[26] These powerful limbs, combined with strong shoulder and leg muscles, allow marmots to dig extensive burrow systems with tunnels several meters in length for shelter and hibernation dens.^[23]^[3] For thermoregulation in cold, high-altitude environments, marmots possess a dense, thick underfur that provides excellent insulation against low temperatures, supplemented by ample body fat reserves.^[27] Species like the Himalayan marmot demonstrate genetic adaptations for hypoxia tolerance, including enhanced oxygen transport mechanisms that enable survival at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low.^[28] Larger body sizes in northern populations further aid cold tolerance by reducing surface-to-volume ratio, minimizing heat loss.^[26] Sensory adaptations enhance predator detection and diurnal activity. Marmots have acute hearing, allowing them to produce and respond to high-pitched alarm whistles that alert colony members to threats from afar.^[26] Their vision is adapted for daytime vigilance, with guards scanning open areas for predators while perched on rocks or burrow entrances.^[26] To prepare for seasonal hibernation, marmots engage in hyperphagia during summer and early fall, selectively foraging on high-fat plants to accumulate substantial white adipose tissue, peaking at around 300 grams in alpine species, which sustains them through 6-7 months of dormancy without feeding, supported by gastrointestinal expansion for efficient nutrient absorption.^[29]

Distribution and Habitat

Global Distribution

Marmots of the genus Marmota are distributed exclusively across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, encompassing approximately 15 extant species divided into six in North America, one in Europe, and eight in Asia. Their ranges are characterized by fragmentation, particularly in mountainous regions, leading to discontinuous populations despite broad continental coverage. This distribution traces back to evolutionary dispersal from North America to Eurasia via the Bering land bridge during the Pleistocene.^[30]^[31] In North America, marmot species occupy territories from Alaska and northern Canada southward to northern Mexico and eastward across the continent to the Atlantic coast. The woodchuck (Marmota monax) is the most widespread, ranging extensively through eastern and central lowlands from Labrador to Georgia and westward to the Great Plains. Endemism is notable in the west, with the Vancouver Island marmot (M. vancouverensis) restricted to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Other species, such as the hoary marmot (M. caligata) and yellow-bellied marmot (M. flaviventris), further fill montane and subalpine zones from Alaska to the southwestern United States.^[2]^[31] Europe hosts a single native species, the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), which is primarily confined to the high-elevation zones of the Alps and Carpathian Mountains. Its range spans central and western Europe, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and parts of the Pyrenees and Tatra Mountains through reintroductions and natural spread. This species' distribution remains centered on alpine arcs, with limited expansion beyond these core areas.^[32]^[33] Asia supports the greatest diversity of marmot species, with ranges extending from Siberia in the north to the Himalayan highlands and the Mongolian steppes in the south and east. The tarbagan marmot (Marmota sibirica), for instance, inhabits open steppes and montane areas across Mongolia, southern Siberia in Russia, and northern China, including the Hentii and Altai ranges. Similarly, the Himalayan marmot (M. himalayana) is adapted to extreme altitudes in the Himalayas of India, Nepal, and Pakistan, as well as the Tibetan Plateau in western and central China. Other Asian species, like the gray marmot (M. baibacina) in the Altai Mountains, contribute to this patchy coverage across vast but interrupted terrains.^[34]^[35]^[25]

Habitat Requirements

Marmots generally inhabit open, grassy landscapes at elevations between 1,000 and 4,000 meters, favoring alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and edges of forested areas where vegetation provides foraging opportunities while allowing for vigilance against predators.^[36]^[37] These environments offer a balance of solar exposure for thermoregulation and proximity to rocky outcrops for escape cover, with species like the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) commonly occupying sites above the forest belt in the European Alps.^[38] In North America, yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) select similar montane settings, often in well-exposed meadows transitioning to talus fields.^[39] Essential to their survival, marmot habitats must feature well-drained, friable soils that facilitate the excavation of complex burrow systems, typically multi-chambered with multiple entrances for nesting, hibernation, and predator evasion.^[40]^[37] These soils, often loamy or sandy with rocky inclusions, resist freezing while permitting deep tunneling—up to several meters in length for main passages—and support structural stability under boulders or outcrops.^[41] Their strong claws enable efficient digging in such substrates, enhancing burrow construction efficiency.^[41] Preferred climates include regions with prolonged cold winters and brief, mild summers, aligning with the marmots' hibernation cycle and seasonal activity patterns.^[42] Marmots avoid dense forest interiors, which limit visibility and foraging, as well as arid deserts lacking sufficient herbaceous cover and moisture.^[43] Habitat variations occur across species; for instance, the woodchuck (Marmota monax) thrives in lowland grasslands and agricultural fields below 1,000 meters, while yellow-bellied marmots favor high-altitude talus slopes exceeding 2,500 meters in rocky, subalpine zones.^[44]^[37]

Behavior

Activity Patterns

Marmots exhibit predominantly diurnal activity patterns, with most species emerging from burrows in the early morning to forage and engage in vigilance behaviors, followed by a period of reduced activity during midday.^[45] This bimodal rhythm peaks again in the late afternoon for additional foraging and social interactions, allowing them to avoid the hottest parts of the day while maximizing energy intake.^[46] Basking in the sun during cooler morning hours helps regulate body temperature after overnight burrow rest.^[47] Seasonally, marmots in northern latitudes maintain an active period of approximately 4 to 5 months, typically from May to September, during which they focus on feeding, growth, and territorial maintenance.^[48] Territorial defense intensifies immediately following emergence from hibernation, as dominant individuals patrol and mark boundaries to secure resources for the group.^[49] Activity patterns vary among species based on sociality and habitat. Solitary species like the woodchuck (Marmota monax) tend to be more crepuscular, with heightened activity at dawn and dusk, particularly in warmer conditions to evade heat stress.^[44] During midday, especially in hot or rainy weather, marmots retreat to burrows for rest, minimizing exposure to predators and environmental extremes while conserving energy.^[46] This behavior contributes to their overall bimodal daily cycle across diverse habitats.^[50] Marmots exhibit varied social structures across species, ranging from solitary to highly colonial, but most form kin-based family groups in colonial settings. These groups typically consist of 4 to 36 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, subordinate adults, yearlings, and juveniles, with yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) averaging about 7.65 members per group (range 2–35).^[51] Societies are matrilineal, formed when adult females recruit daughters to persist across generations, fostering kin recognition and cooperation among relatives.^[52] Yearlings often act as helpers, contributing to group maintenance without reproducing, while non-kin immigrants, primarily yearling or adult males, occasionally join.^[51] Dominance hierarchies within groups are typically led by the breeding pair, with size-based rankings influencing access to resources and mates; females defend territories individually, and males patrol to exclude intruders, though coalitionary defense is absent.^[52] Dispersal patterns reinforce kin structure, with nearly all yearling males leaving natal groups annually and about 50% of yearling females dispersing, often before newborns emerge, to reduce inbreeding and competition.^[52] In species like the alpine marmot (M. marmota), groups include a resident pair plus variable subordinates, maintaining mean relatedness around 0.33 among females.^[53] Communication among marmots relies on multimodal signals to coordinate social interactions and maintain group cohesion. Vocalizations include high-pitched whistle alarm calls, which are individually distinctive and vary in acoustic structure (e.g., duration, frequency), allowing discrimination between callers; marmots respond more strongly to juvenile calls, suppressing foraging to increase vigilance.^[54] These whistles, earning some species the nickname "whistle-pig," convey urgency without specifying predator type and may aid kin assessment.^[55] Olfactory and visual signals complement vocal cues for territorial and dominance displays. Scent marking via cheek glands occurs at burrow sites, perches, and pathways, primarily expressing dominance during conflicts or high excitement rather than strict territorial ownership, with dominant individuals rubbing glands on rocks after chases.^[56] Postures such as tail waving (flagging in figure-eight or horizontal patterns) advertise presence and territorial claims, while teeth chattering serves as a threat during agonistic encounters, often preceding chases.^[57] Territorial behaviors involve vocal displays and scent posts, with aggression rare but potentially fatal in male-male fights over boundaries.^[58]

Ecology

Diet and Foraging

Marmots are primarily herbivorous, with their diet consisting mainly of forbs, grasses, flowers, and seeds, though they occasionally consume small amounts of invertebrates such as arthropods.^[59] In species like the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), dicotyledonous herbs account for approximately 84% of the diet on average, with flowers and fruits comprising about 13.5%, while graminoids are selected primarily during mid-summer months.^[59] Similarly, yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) preferentially ingest forbs over graminoids, favoring nutrient-rich species such as clover (Trifolium andersonii) and flowers of lupine (Lupinus spp.) despite their relative scarcity in the habitat.^[60] Siberian marmots (Marmota sibirica) exhibit a comparable pattern, with dicots making up 60–70% of fecal composition, reflecting a selective emphasis on forbs across marmot species.^[61] Foraging behavior centers on grazing within a limited radius of burrows to minimize predation risk, typically 20–50 meters from the nearest refuge, though excursions up to 100 meters occur in resource-rich areas.^[62]^[63] Marmots employ selective feeding strategies, particularly in spring when they target high-protein plants like legumes and early-emerging forbs to support post-hibernation recovery and rapid growth.^[64] This selectivity extends to testing plants by sniffing or tasting before consumption, rejecting less palatable or toxic species such as certain mustards or flax.^[65] In late summer, diets shift toward higher-fiber grasses and seed heads to facilitate fat accumulation for hibernation, aligning with increased caloric needs.^[66]^[59] During the active season, marmots consume 10–20% of their body weight daily in fresh vegetation, enabling substantial energy intake—often exceeding maintenance requirements by over 100% in summer—to build fat reserves.^[67] This foraging contributes to ecological roles such as seed dispersal, where undigested seeds from fruits and flowers are deposited via endozoochory, potentially aiding plant propagation in meadow ecosystems.^[68] Social foraging in family groups enhances vigilance, allowing individuals to allocate more time to feeding while monitoring for threats.^[69]

Hibernation Physiology

Marmots exhibit true hibernation, a state of prolonged torpor lasting 7-8 months within insulated burrows, during which their core body temperature declines to 2-8°C, closely tracking ambient burrow conditions to minimize energy expenditure.^[70]^[71] This hypothermic state represents a profound physiological adaptation, allowing survival without external food or water intake over the winter period.^[72] Hibernation in marmots is characterized by alternating cycles of deep torpor and periodic arousals, with torpor bouts extending from several days to weeks, periodically interrupted by 12-24 hour arousals essential for physiological maintenance such as waste clearance and neural rewiring.^[29] During deep torpor, metabolic rate plummets to 2-3% of the active euthermic level, facilitating extreme energy conservation while the animal relies on stored fat reserves accumulated during pre-hibernation foraging.^[73] Accompanying this metabolic suppression are adaptations for dehydration tolerance, where metabolic water production balances evaporative losses without drinking, and immune system downregulation, which reduces leukocyte circulation and inflammatory responses to preserve energy but is restored during arousals.^[74]^[75] Variations in hibernation physiology occur across species, with northern populations such as the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) enduring up to 9 months of torpor due to harsher climates and longer winters.^[24] In social species like the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), group huddling during hibernation further mitigates heat loss, stabilizing body temperature and reducing overall energy demands compared to solitary individuals.^[76]

Interactions with Predators

Marmots face predation from a variety of avian and mammalian species, with juveniles being particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and limited mobility. Common predators include birds of prey such as golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), which primarily target young marmots, as well as mammals like coyotes (Canis latrans), wolves (Canis lupus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).^[77]^[78]^[79] In yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris), for instance, coyotes account for nearly half of documented predation events, followed by badgers (Taxidea taxus) and bears.^[78] To counter these threats, marmots employ a suite of anti-predator behaviors centered on detection and escape. Vigilance behaviors, such as standing on hind legs to scan for danger, allow individuals to monitor surroundings while foraging, with adults exhibiting higher rates than juveniles.^[69] Alarm calls are emitted in response to specific predators—high-pitched whistles for coyotes and eagles, for example—alerting colony members to flee collectively to burrows.^[77] Group flight to refuge burrows provides rapid protection, and marmots preferentially select open habitats with good visibility to reduce ambush risks.^[78] These strategies are heritable and adjust based on perceived risk, with juveniles allocating more time to vigilance due to their heightened vulnerability.^[69] Predation exerts significant pressure on marmot populations, particularly through high juvenile mortality rates that can reach up to 50% in the first year, often comprising the majority of seasonal deaths.^[80]^[81] In Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis), for example, predation causes over 60% of confirmed mortalities, influencing colony density and persistence by limiting recruitment.^[79] As a key prey species, marmots support apex predators in their ecosystems, while their extensive burrow systems—abandoned after use—provide shelter for diverse taxa, including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, enhancing overall biodiversity.^[77]^[3]

Reproduction and Development

Mating and Breeding

Marmots exhibit annual breeding cycles, with mating typically occurring 1-2 weeks after emergence from hibernation in spring, often between April and May depending on species and latitude. In social species such as the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), pairs form monogamous bonds where a dominant male and female cohabit and defend a territory, though genetic analyses reveal occasional extra-pair copulations.^[82] In contrast, yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) display a polygynous system, where males maintain harems of multiple females and exhibit promiscuous mating by visiting several hibernacula during the brief breeding window.^[83]^[82] Courtship behaviors vary but commonly involve vocalizations, such as chirps and squeals from males during pursuits, alongside physical chases and sniffing to assess receptivity. These displays help establish mating opportunities amid competition, with promiscuity more pronounced in males of polygynous species who attempt copulations with multiple partners to maximize reproductive success.^[84]^[83] Social hierarchies strongly influence breeding, as only dominant females typically reproduce successfully, suppressing subordinates through aggression that elevates stress hormones like glucocorticoids, disrupting ovarian function without evidence of pheromonal mediation in studied species.^[85] Gestation periods range from 25 to 35 days across marmot species, with no delayed implantation reported; for example, Alpine marmots have a 33-34 day gestation, while yellow-bellied marmots average 32 days.^[83]^[26] Litters consist of 3-9 pups, averaging 4-5, born in late spring or early summer within natal burrows, ensuring synchronized development before the active season.^[83]

Growth and Life History

Marmot pups are typically born altricial, blind, and hairless, weighing around 30-35 grams, and remaining entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment in the natal burrow.^[3] Following a gestation period that aligns with spring emergence from hibernation, pups develop rapidly underground, opening their eyes within the first two weeks and beginning to grow fur.^[83] Pups emerge from the burrow for the first time at approximately 4-6 weeks of age, usually in late June or July, coinciding with peak foraging conditions in their high-altitude habitats.^[83] At emergence, they are weaned around 7 weeks post-birth and become independent foragers, though they continue to associate closely with the family group for protection.^[86] This timing ensures pups have a brief active season to gain mass before entering their first hibernation. Juvenile marmots exhibit rapid somatic growth during their initial summer, often doubling their body mass post-emergence through intensive foraging on grasses and herbs, reaching near-adult size by the end of their first year.^[87] Growth rates are higher in males than females and vary with environmental factors like food availability, but yearlings typically achieve 80-90% of adult body mass before hibernation.^[88] Sexual maturity is attained at 2-3 years for females and slightly later, 3-4 years, for males, with females often breeding in their second year while males may delay due to dispersal and competition.^[89] In the wild, marmots have a lifespan of 3-5 years on average, though maximum longevity reaches 15-16 years; in captivity, individuals can live up to 15 years with reduced predation and nutritional stress.^[86] Juvenile mortality is particularly high in the first year due to predation, overwinter starvation, and dispersal risks, with survival rates varying annually from 0.15 to 0.89.^[90] Adult annual survival is more stable at 72-80%, but declines in senescence after 6-8 years, where reduced body mass and immune function lower hibernation success and increase mortality.^[91] Life history progresses through distinct stages: pups focus on survival and growth in their natal group; yearlings often serve as non-breeding helpers, assisting in vigilance and burrow maintenance to enhance kin survival before dispersing or breeding; adults peak in reproductive output around 7-8 years, after which senescence accelerates decline in fitness traits like mass gain and offspring production.^[86]

Conservation

Status of Species

The majority of the approximately 15 recognized Marmota species are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating stable populations across their extensive ranges in North America, Europe, and Asia.^[92] Prominent examples include the woodchuck (M. monax), which is widespread in eastern North America with no immediate threats to its abundance, and the alpine marmot (M. marmota), abundant in the European Alps and successfully reintroduced to several regions. Several species face higher risks, particularly in isolated or fragmented habitats. The Vancouver Island marmot (M. vancouverensis) is listed as Critically Endangered, with a wild population estimated at around 380 individuals across 33 colonies as of spring 2025, reflecting recovery from a low of fewer than 30 in 2003 through captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.^[5] The tarbagan marmot (M. sibirica), an Asian species, is Endangered due to historical overhunting and ongoing habitat pressures, though populations have stabilized in protected areas. Menzbier's marmot (M. menzbieri) in Central Asia is Vulnerable, with declining numbers from habitat loss and persecution. The Olympic marmot (M. olympus), while currently Least Concern globally, has experienced localized declines and is the subject of a May 2024 petition for Endangered Species Act protection, followed by an October 2025 lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failure to respond, in the United States due to habitat changes and predation pressures.^[93]^[94] Overall population trends for marmots are stable in core, continuous habitats but declining in fragmented or peripheral areas, where isolation exacerbates vulnerability to environmental changes. The global marmot population likely numbers in the millions, though it is highly localized, with densities varying from thousands per species in expansive ranges to critically low numbers in endemic forms.^[92] Ongoing monitoring efforts focus on key sites to track these dynamics, including annual surveys in the Rocky Mountains for species like the yellow-bellied marmot (M. flaviventris) and long-term studies in the Alps for the alpine marmot, aiding in the assessment of range shifts and abundance.^[95]^[96]

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Marmot populations face multiple anthropogenic threats that exacerbate their vulnerability, particularly in alpine and subalpine habitats. Climate change poses a significant risk through global warming, which leads to shorter winters, increased heat stress during active seasons, and reduced forage availability due to altered vegetation patterns and earlier snowmelt.^[92] For instance, in some North American species like the yellow-bellied marmot, emergence from hibernation has advanced by approximately 23 days over recent decades, potentially disrupting energy balances and reproductive timing.^[42] Habitat fragmentation from logging and development further isolates colonies, limiting dispersal and genetic exchange while increasing exposure to edge effects.^[97] Human-influenced predation dynamics have intensified threats for certain species; for example, the decline of apex predators like wolves has led to increased coyote populations, heightening predation pressure on Olympic marmots in the Pacific Northwest.^[98] In Asian regions, overhunting for fur, meat, and traditional medicine has severely depleted populations of species such as Menzbier's marmot, compounded by historical poisoning campaigns and overgrazing.^[42] Conservation efforts have focused on mitigating these threats through targeted interventions. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been pivotal, notably for the Vancouver Island marmot, where over 685 individuals have been released into the wild since 2003 to counter predation and habitat loss, with releases strategically placed to enhance survival in protected meadows.^[99] Establishment of protected areas, such as national parks in the Rockies and Alps, safeguards core habitats from fragmentation and hunting, while ongoing research explores climate adaptation strategies, including monitoring shifts in hibernation patterns and forage resilience.^[92] These initiatives have yielded notable successes, exemplified by the Vancouver Island marmot's recovery from fewer than 30 wild individuals in 2003 to over 250 by 2021, further bolstered by a record 108 pups produced in 2024, demonstrating the efficacy of integrated breeding and habitat management.^[100]^[101] Despite such progress, sustained efforts are essential to address escalating climate impacts across marmot ranges.^[102]

Human Interactions

Etymology and Historical Use

The word marmot entered English around 1600 from French marmotte, derived from Old French marmoter meaning "to mutter" or "murmur," an onomatopoeic reference to the rodent's chirping or whistling alarm calls.^[103]^[104] This term traces back to Latin marmota, possibly influenced by Romance forms of murmurare (to murmur) or a compound like murem montis ("mountain mouse"), reflecting the animal's alpine habitat and vocalizations.^[103] In indigenous North American languages, names for marmot species vary; for instance, the woodchuck (Marmota monax) derives from Algonquian terms such as Cree otchek or Ottawa otchig, referring to the fisher, altered by folk etymology to evoke its burrowing behavior.^[105]^[106]^[107] Humans have exploited marmots for meat and fur since the Upper Paleolithic era, with archaeological evidence from sites like Grotte di Pradis in the Italian pre-Alps indicating specialized hunting camps where alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) were intensively processed for hides and food around 15,000–20,000 years ago.^[108] In medieval Europe, particularly in the western Alps and southern Jura Mountains, marmots continued to be hunted seasonally for their meat—a staple in local diets—and fine fur, as well as fat used for medicinal ointments believed to treat rheumatism when applied topically.^[109] By the 19th century, North American species like the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) entered the fur trade; late-18th-century reports from Hudson's Bay Company traders noted abundant pelts traded by indigenous groups for clothing and exchange, with European demand peaking around 1890 when German and Austro-Hungarian experts began importing marmot fur for garment linings.^[109]^[110] Early artistic depictions of marmots appear in European natural history illustrations, such as Jacopo Ligozzi's 1605 watercolor A Marmot with a Branch of Plums, which portrays the animal in a detailed, observational style typical of late Renaissance scientific art, holding fruit to emphasize its ecological role. Attempts to domesticate marmots have generally failed due to their obligatory hibernation cycles, which disrupt captive breeding and maintenance, rendering them unsuitable for sustained husbandry despite occasional efforts by indigenous and European groups.^[111] Since the early 20th century, marmots have been employed in laboratory research on hibernation physiology, valued for their predictable torpor-arousal cycles that allow controlled studies of metabolic adaptation, though systematic field and lab programs intensified from the 1960s onward.^[112]^[113]

Cultural and Economic Significance

Marmots hold a prominent place in various cultural traditions worldwide, often symbolizing weather prediction, spiritual entities, or clever characters in folklore. In North American folklore, the groundhog (Marmota monax), a species of marmot, is central to Groundhog Day on February 2, where its emergence from hibernation purportedly forecasts the end of winter—if it sees its shadow, six more weeks of cold weather are expected, a tradition rooted in European settler customs adapted from badger or bear observations.^[114] In Mongolian culture, marmots are viewed as chimerical beings with spiritual significance, embodying human-like qualities and serving as protective talismans against malevolent spirits in shamanic practices, where their anklebones are worn to ward off harm.^[115]^[116] Among some Native American groups, such as the Pahute, marmots appear in legends as companions or key figures in origin stories, like tales explaining how the marmot and badger acquired their burrowing homes through friendship and adventure.^[109] Economically, marmots have provided resources for clothing and food, though their use has declined in many regions due to conservation efforts and synthetic alternatives. Historically, marmot fur was prized for its softness and used in garments, particularly in Mongolia where millions of pelts were processed annually for domestic and export markets until the late 20th century, though trade volumes have since decreased significantly.^[110] In rural areas of Asia, especially Mongolia, marmot meat is considered a delicacy and consumed in traditional dishes, contributing to local diets and occasional markets.^[117] In Europe, such as the Alps, marmot viewing supports ecotourism, with dedicated trails and observation points attracting visitors to witness their behaviors in natural habitats, boosting regional economies through guided hikes and park fees.^[118] Additionally, marmots' hibernation physiology has drawn biomedical interest, with research on species like the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) revealing insights into epigenetic aging, bone preservation, and metabolic regulation that could inform human treatments for osteoporosis and metabolic disorders.^[119]^[120]^[121] In modern contexts, marmots occasionally serve niche roles but face challenges as pests in some areas. Keeping marmots as pets is rare due to their wild nature, specialized hibernation needs, and limited veterinary expertise, making them unsuitable for most households.^[122] In agricultural regions, particularly in North America, marmots like the yellow-bellied species damage crops such as alfalfa and legumes by burrowing and feeding, leading to control measures under pest management codes.^[123] Culturally, regulated festivals in Mongolia, such as the Golden Eagle Festival, celebrate traditional hunting practices where eagles pursue marmots, preserving heritage while adhering to quotas to sustain populations.^[124] These events, often tied to historical hunting foundations, now emphasize demonstration over harvest to promote tourism and conservation.^[125]

Role in Disease Transmission

Marmots act as key reservoirs for the plague-causing bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is primarily transmitted among rodent populations via infected fleas such as Oropsylla silantiewi. In Central Asia, species like the tarbagan marmot (Marmota sibirica) and gray marmot (Marmota baibacina) sustain enzootic plague cycles in mountainous regions, including the Tien Shan and Pamir areas, where the bacterium persists in marmot burrows and ectoparasites.^[126]^[127]^[128] Genetic analysis of ancient DNA from 14th-century burials in Kyrgyzstan reveals that the Black Death pandemic originated around 1338–1339 in local marmot populations, marking a pivotal diversification event—or "Big Bang"—in Y. pestis strains that spread globally. This strain likely spilled over to humans through Mongol hunters who pursued marmots for fur and meat, facilitating transmission along Silk Road trade routes to Europe and beyond.^[129] Beyond plague, marmots can harbor other zoonotic pathogens, including Francisella tularensis, the agent of tularemia, and Leptospira species responsible for leptospirosis, with transmission to humans occurring via direct contact with infected tissues or contaminated environments. In the 2010s, multiple outbreaks in Mongolia highlighted these risks, including fatal bubonic plague cases among hunters; for instance, in 2019, a couple died after consuming raw marmot kidney, and in 2020, a 15-year-old boy died after consuming infected marmot meat.^[130]^[131]^[132]^[133]^[134] Climate change poses emerging threats by potentially expanding marmot habitats and altering flea dynamics through increased precipitation and warmer temperatures, thereby heightening spillover risks to human populations in plague-endemic areas. No routine vaccination is available for plague prevention in affected regions, though public health efforts emphasize awareness campaigns, seasonal hunting bans on marmots, and education to mitigate exposure during outbreaks.^[135]^[136]^[137]

References

[1]
None
### Summary for Encyclopedia Intro: Genus Marmota
[2]
[PDF] distribution and habitat characteristics of - University of Idaho
Six marmot species occur in North America; all but one occupy higher elevation sites of the West. Woodchucks (Marmota monax), hoary marmots (M. caligata), ...
[3]
Marmota flaviventris (yellow-bellied marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Yellow-bellied marmots are a small to medium-sized rodents. Males weigh from 2.95 to 5.22 kg, with an average of 3.9 kg. Females range in mass from 1.59 to 3. ...
[4]
Marmot - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
May 4, 2018 · Marmots are one of the largest members of the squirrel family. They can be two feet in length and weigh up to 11 pounds.Missing: weight | Show results with:weight
[5]
https://marmots.org/about-marmots/current-status-2/
[6]
Explore the Taxonomic Tree | FWS.gov
Class, Mammalia. Subclass, Theria. Infraclass, Eutheria. Order, Rodentia. Suborder, Sciuromorpha. Family, Sciuridae. Subfamily, Xerinae. Tribe, Marmotini. Genus ...
[7]
Marmot | Rodent Adaptations & Behavior - Britannica
Oct 11, 2025 · They inhabit open country in mountains and plains, preferring montane meadows, steppes, tundra, and forest edges. All live in burrows that they ...Olympic marmot · Alaska marmot · Alpine marmot · Hoary marmot<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Marmota - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The dental formula is I 1 1 C 0 0 P 1 − 2 1 M 3 3 = 20 − 22 . The molars are brachydont or hypsodont, but no sciurids have hypselodont teeth. The occlusal ...
[9]
Marmota monax (woodchuck) | INFORMATION - Animal Diversity Web
Woodchucks have white teeth, which is uncharacteristic of rodents, and a dental formula of 1/1, 0/0, 2/1, 3/3, for a total of 22 teeth. They have rounded ...Missing: morphological robust cheek pouches
[10]
Sciuridae—Squirrels - UTEP
Oct 3, 2019 · The dental formula is 1/1 0/0 1-2/1 3/3 = 20-22. Squirrel teeth (Fig. 1) are easily assigned to the family. Upper cheek teeth are variations ...
[11]
Marmota marmota • Alpine Marmot - Mammal Diversity Database
Order, : Rodentia. Suborder, : Sciuromorpha. Family, : Sciuridae. Subfamily, : Xerinae. Tribe, : Marmotini. Genus, : Marmota. Subgenus, : Marmota. Species ...
[12]
Mammal Species of the World - Browse: Marmota
Mammal Species of the World: Information on Marmota. ... SUBGENUS Petromarmota. SPECIES caligata. SUBSPECIES caligata. SUBSPECIES ...Missing: list | Show results with:list
[13]
https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=12400921
[14]
(PDF) Phylogeny and systematics of marmots (Marmota, Sciuridae ...
Phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships in the genus Marmota were examined using inter-SINE PCR. The primers used were complementary to the consensus ...
[15]
Marmota vancouverensis (Vancouver marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Vancouver Island marmots, Marmota vancouverensis, are endemic to Canada. They are found only on Vancouver Island, located in the south-western portion of ...
[16]
[PDF] Vancouver Island Marmot - Gov.bc.ca
The Vancouver Island Marmot is an endangered, rare species restricted to Vancouver Island, with a chocolate brown coat and white patches, and is about the size ...
[17]
Ultraconserved elements improve resolution of marmot phylogeny ...
Marmots are generally assumed to have originated in North America. Steppan et al. (1999) recognized two subgenera of marmots based on a phylogeny derived from ...
[18]
(PDF) Marmot evolution and global change in the past 10 million years
In this chapter, we review the fossil and phylogenetic history of marmots, the palaeoenvironments in which they originated, and their relationship to glacial- ...
[19]
The Tempo of Geographic Differentiation in Marmots (Marmota ...
The earliest incontrovertible fossils are M. minor from the late Miocene Hemphillian deposits (about 8.0 million years ago) at Thousand Creek, Nevada (Black ...
[20]
[PDF] A Fossil Marmot from the Late Miocene - ResearchGate
ABSTRACT.-Marmots (genus Marmota) are extremely rare in the Tertiary fossil record of North America; there are only three previous records from the Miocene.
[21]
[PDF] Marmota caligata (Rodentia: Sciuridae)
Sep 26, 2011 · It is distributed in western North America from Alaska and Canada south to Washington and Montana and is found at elevations ranging from sea ...
[22]
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30701-8
[23]
Marmota caligata (hoary marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Hoary marmots weigh 8 to 10 kg and are from 45 to 57 cm in length, with males being slightly larger than females (Kyle et al. 2007). Tail length is 7 to 25 cm.
[24]
Marmota baibacina (gray marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Grey marmots are one of the largest marmots found in Asia. Their total length is 59.0 cm to 80.5 cm, with a short tail (13cm to 15cm) that accounts for less ...
[25]
Marmota marmota (alpine marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Alpine marmots are adapted to cold climates. They are able to live in places where there is little vegetation. They are able to burrow in gravelly and frozen ...
[26]
Alaska Marmot (Marmota broweri) Printer Friendly
A marmot leaves its winter sleep very thin but quickly gains weight, with fat stored for hibernation making up 20% of its body weight at the end of summer.Missing: seasonal | Show results with:seasonal
[27]
Vancouver Island Marmot Profile
... marmot habitat. Underground burrows provide shelter from the elements and protection from predators. Typically 30-45 cms across, burrows range in size and ...Missing: biology | Show results with:biology
[28]
Hypoxic and Cold Adaptation Insights from the Himalayan Marmot ...
Jan 25, 2019 · This study provides clues regarding the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation and hibernation, and will be a valuable resource for researchers.
[29]
Energy expenditure and body composition in a hibernator, the ... - NIH
Marmots increased the uptake of fat prior to hibernation, both by selective feeding and enhanced gastrointestinal capacity. Large fat reserves enable marmots to ...
[30]
None
Summary of each segment:
[31]
Marmots of the World
Marmots live in the northern hemisphere, with Old World marmots like the gray marmot and New World marmots like the woodchuck. They have varied social systems.
[32]
Alpine Marmot
Distribution. Alps, Carpathians, Pyrenees, Tatra mountains of Europe. Alpine marmots live in grazed sub-alpine pastures and higher elevation alpine regions.<|separator|>
[33]
Who and Where are we? - The Alpine Marmot Project
Marmota broweri or Alaska marmot · Marmota caligata or Hoary marmot · Marmota flaviventris or Yellow-bellied marmot · Marmota monax or woodchuck · Marmota olympus ...
[34]
Marmota sibirica (Tarbagan marmot) | INFORMATION | Animal Diversity Web
### Distribution of Tarbagan Marmot (Marmota sibirica)
[35]
Marmota himalayana (Himalayan marmot) - Animal Diversity Web
Members of the genus Marmota are generally referred to as large ground squirrels. Marmots are large terrestrial rodents with stout limbs and short tails.
[36]
(PDF) Habitat preferences of alpine marmots, Marmota marmota
Aug 6, 2025 · In the Alps, marmots are typically found between 1200 and 2700 m asl., but up to 3000 m asl., avoiding the forest belt and favouring grasslands ...Missing: soil | Show results with:soil
[37]
[PDF] Marmot distribution and habitat associations in the Great Basin
I found 62 marmot burrow sites in 18 mountain ranges, mostly in rocky meadows situated on well-drained slopes between 2100 m and 3000 m elevation. Mar- mots ...
[38]
Habitat requirements of the Alpine marmotMarmota marmota in re ...
Aug 9, 2025 · In the Alps, marmots are typically found between 1200 and 2700 m asl., but up to 3000 m asl., avoiding the forest belt and favouring grasslands ...
[39]
Yellow-bellied Marmot - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National ...
Apr 18, 2025 · Found from lowest valleys to alpine tundra, usually in open grassy communities and almost always near rocks. · Feed on grasses and forbs in early ...Missing: soil | Show results with:soil
[40]
Shifting Heights? A 40‐Year Resurvey of Alpine Marmot Distribution ...
Jul 20, 2025 · This study examines the elevational changes in Alpine marmot distribution over the past 40 years in a Central Alps Mountain valley.
[41]
[PDF] Southwestern Association of Naturalists
The yellow-bellied marmot spends approximately 80% of its life in a burrow. Burrows provide protection from the rigors of the environment, pred- ators and other ...Missing: multi- | Show results with:multi-
[42]
[PDF] Climate change and the conservation of marmots
Early marmots probably inhabited cool and moist environments in western North. America and were associated with the periglacial land- scape in Eurasia [14]. The ...
[43]
(PDF) Habitat preferences in gray marmots (Marmota baibacina)
Aug 9, 2025 · The gray marmots prefer grasslands and shrubs and avoid woodlands, including even the forest edges and forest-steppe areas with a tree cover <10 ...
[44]
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
Nov 8, 2022 · Woodchucks occupy a variety of different habitats, but prefer fallowed or actively farmed fields and pastures, croplands, shrubby woodland edges ...Missing: climate | Show results with:climate
[45]
Pastoralist disturbance effects on Himalayan marmot foraging and ...
Nov 7, 2015 · The daily activity pattern of Himalayan marmot, like all other species of marmots, is bimodal, mostly active during morning and late afternoon ( ...
[46]
Temporal shift in activity patterns of Himalayan marmots in relation ...
Jun 20, 2015 · Temporal patterns of marmot activity and movement were analyzed during 3 time periods: morning ... activity pattern and foraging behaviors ...
[47]
Thermal Influences on the Activity and Energetics of Yellow-Bellied ...
Aug 5, 2025 · Indeed, solar radiation is the variable influencing the most heat transfer through a marmot's fur: at mid-day, with direct solar radiation ...
[48]
[PDF] Pattern and variation of the time budget of yellow-bellied marmots
Jul 16, 2015 · During the short average active season of 4.8 months, marmots must reproduce, grow and prepare for an average hibernation period of 7.2 months.
[49]
Annual and Life Cycle | The Alpine Marmot Project - WordPress.com
Alpine marmots emerge from hibernation in early April. Their territory is generally still mostly covered by snow. In the first few days after they emerge, it is ...
[50]
Marmots: Current Biology - Cell Press
Aug 19, 2019 · Marmots (Figure 1) are a monophyletic group of large burrow dwelling, long-lived (up to 13 years), sedentary ground squirrels of the family ...
[51]
Aboveground activity rhythm in Arctic black-capped marmot ...
Aug 6, 2025 · When daily mean temperatures were above 5 °C, activity onset was synchronised with a solar altitude around 17–18° and activity ended at 10°.
[52]
Marmots at the Grossglockner in Austria - Wildlife Travel
Jun 8, 2025 · Normally, marmots—meaning alpine marmots in this case—avoid the warmest part of the day and spend it in their burrows. Alpine marmots, like ...
[53]
Multilevel selection on individual and group social behaviour in the ...
Marmot social groups are composed of mostly kin, with occasional non-kin immigration (most often a yearling or adult male [41]). Individual social behaviour has ...
[54]
Society formation and maintenance in yellow-bellied marmots
Female defence is typically done by members who do not permit outside females into their matrilineal territories; intruders are chased away immediately and ...
[55]
[PDF] Sociality, mating system and reproductive skew in marmots
Marmot species exhibit a great diversity of social structure, mating systems and reproductive skew. In particular, among the social species (i.e. all except ...
[56]
[PDF] Yellow-bellied marmots discriminate between the alarm calls of ...
Sep 29, 2004 · Because marmot alarm calls are not used in territorial defence (but see suggestions about the congeneric alpine marmot,. M. marmota, by Bopp ...Missing: scent postures<|separator|>
[57]
Watching Over Washington's Whistle Pig - Earth Island Institute
Jun 20, 2018 · The Olympic marmot, affectionately known as the “whistle pig” for its high-pitched alarm calls, was designated Washington's State endemic mammal.
[58]
[PDF] Scent Marking by Yellow-Bellied Marmots
Munch and Rausch and Rausch state that the cheek secretion functions as a territorial marker, but neither report contains any be- havioral data showing the ...Missing: communication alarm calls postures
[59]
Social structure and behavior of the yellow-bellied marmot (Part III)
Tooth-chatter, a threat behavior, often occurred. ... Tail-waving in a figure eight or horizontal direction also occurs in alpine marmots during aggressive ...
[60]
[PDF] Male behaviour and territoriality in the Yellow-bellied marmot ...
Territorial males are conspicuous and advertise their presence by tail flagging. Many colonial males patrol their territory. Adult male social behaviour is ...Missing: postures teeth chattering
[61]
[PDF] Diet selection of the alpine Marmot (Marmota m. marmota L ... - HAL
We studied the diet composition and selection of plants in the Alpine marmot Marmota m. marmota of two family groups in the Western pyrenees ...
[62]
Selective Foraging and Food Distribution of High-Elevation Yellow ...
Marmots overwhelmingly ingested forbs over graminoids (grasses, sedges, and rushes) and particularly ingested clover (Trifolium andersonii) despite its rarity.
[63]
Diet of Siberian Marmot in the Forest-Step Zone of Mongolia: Grass ...
Aug 27, 2025 · Overall, dicots accounted for 60–70% of the fecal composition, which was similar to other marmot species. The fecal compositions reflected the ...Missing: percentages | Show results with:percentages
[64]
Habitat characteristics of the hoary marmot: assessing distribution ...
Oct 20, 2017 · We hypothesized that boulder size might be important habitat characteristics because hoary marmots in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, used ...
[65]
[PDF] Foraging Patterns of Yellow-Bellied Marmots
Typically, the distance between a foraging marmot and any burrow was less than 20 m. At Picnic, home burrows were in the talus where little forag- ing was ...
[66]
Habitat, diet, macronutrient, and fiber balance of Himalayan marmot ...
Apr 25, 2015 · Protein balance, however, tended to be higher in plants post-hibernation (spring) than pre-hibernation (Fig. 2a). Fiber balance of plants was ...
[67]
[PDF] Observations on plant choice by foraging yellow-bellied marmots
Yellow-bellied Marmots move from one dandelion plant to another and selectively eat the flowers. Because of this foraging behavior, the foraging range of the ...
[68]
Nutritional ecology of yellow‐bellied marmots in the White ...
Seasonal changes in diet composition were noted which may reflect, in part, temporal changes in nutrient demands. References.
[69]
Body Weight Cycles and Energy Balance in the Alpine Marmot ...
Hibernation in most mammals is accompanied by a pronounced seasonal body weight cycle. Fat is accumulated during summer and consumed during the following ...Missing: storage | Show results with:storage
[70]
Steppe Marmot (Marmota bobak) as ecosystem engineer in arid ...
Our aim was to explore the role of Steppe Marmot as an ecosystem engineer in shaping the plant species composition and diversity of steppes.
[71]
Yellow-bellied marmots: insights from an emergent view of sociality
We found that interactions between yearlings are particularly important in structuring marmot social groups. Yearlings engage in affiliative behaviour (play and ...
[72]
Regulation of body temperature and energy requirements of ...
One group of adult Alpine marmots hibernated under seasonally decreasing Ta conditions, and MR and Tb were recorded continuously to obtain the entire spectrum ...
[73]
Hibernation strategies and patterns in sympatric arctic species, the ...
Nov 4, 2015 · The mean duration between the first and last marmot measured within the group to initiate an arousal was 3.7±2.5h and to recool to 30°C during ...
[74]
Hoary Marmot Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
True hibernators, marmots enter a state of torpor in winter during which body temperature and all bodily functions are reduced. Hoary marmots hibernate alone in ...
[75]
Energetics of hibernating yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota ...
This study explored energetic costs of hibernation in young and adults at 10 and 6 °C. Age significantly affected the percent time torpid, total and mass- ...Missing: papers | Show results with:papers
[76]
[PDF] Effects of hibernation on bone in yellow-bellied marmots
Though marmots do not drink during hibernation, below 15-. 20°C metabolic water production in the yellow-bellied marmot exceeds evaporative water loss ...Missing: tolerance | Show results with:tolerance
[77]
Hibernation: the immune system at rest? - Bouma - 2010
Jun 2, 2010 · Hibernation affects the function of the innate and the adaptive immune systems. Torpor drastically reduces numbers of all types of circulating leukocytes.
[78]
Social thermoregulation during hibernation in alpine marmots ...
Marmots synchronize hibernation, huddle together, and euthermic nestmates passively warm torpid marmots. This social thermoregulation may not be mutual.Missing: synchronized | Show results with:synchronized
[79]
[PDF] Behavioral responses of yellow-bellied marmots to birds and ...
predatory transients, and (3) predators. The rare social interactions ... Armitage, K.B. 1982b: Marmots and coyotes: behavior of prey and predator. J ...Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
[80]
[PDF] Predation on Yellow-Bellied Marmots (Marmota Flaviventris)
However, patches of willows and groves of spruce or aspen provided concealment for predators; marmots usually avoid high vegetation that can hide predators ( ...
[81]
Loss of Predator Discrimination by Critically Endangered Vancouver ...
Dec 2, 2021 · Therefore, marmots retain anti-predator responses to wolves, but lose the ability to discriminate between cougars and non-predators, despite ...
[82]
Olympic marmot | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Typical habitat for Olympic Marmots encompasses subalpine and alpine meadows and talus slopes near timberline at elevations from 300 to 6500 feet. Many colonies ...
[83]
Age and sex influence marmot antipredator behavior during periods ...
Marmots are prey to numerous predators, including ... Temporal variation in danger drives antipredator behavior: the predation risk allocation hypothesis.
[84]
Sociality, mating system and reproductive skew in marmots - PubMed
Yellow-bellied marmots are polygynous with low reproductive skew, while other social marmots are monogamous with high reproductive skew.
[85]
A Marmot's Life – The yellow-bellied marmots
If marmots survive the summer, they hibenate starting in late September. During this hibernation period they survive entirely on their stored fat. We've studied ...Missing: seasonal | Show results with:seasonal
[86]
Behaviors associated with vocal communication of squirrels - Diggins
Jun 10, 2021 · Bobak marmot (Marmota bobak) alarm calls may also serve as a territorial call ... Marmot alarm-calling and the question of altruistic behavior.
[87]
Reproductive suppression in female Alpine marmots, Marmota ...
Results suggested that reproductive suppression in female Alpine marmots is mediated by the negative effects of stress (glucocorticoids) on the activity of the ...Missing: delayed implantation
[88]
[PDF] VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT Marmota vancouverensis
Most litters are three or four pups; litters of two, five and six occur infrequently. Pups are born blind and hairless and remain underground for ...
[89]
How social behaviour and life-history traits change with age and in ...
We know that traits reflecting social networks in the marmots are heritable [44] and can negatively impact longevity [45]; and, while we know that older ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
[90]
Growth and survival of juvenile yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota ...
Over- winter survival of juveniles was higher (X2 = 5.44, df = 1, 0.025 > P > 0.01) for those born in 1992 (86%; n = 73) than for those born in 199 1 (66 % ; n ...Missing: rate | Show results with:rate
[91]
Varriation of growth rates in yellow-bellied marmots
Overall, males had higher growth rates than females and young and yearlings generally had higher growth rates compared to adults at all locations.Missing: reach adult size 1
[92]
[PDF] Sex-specific reproductive strategies in wild yellow-bellied marmots (
Jun 5, 2022 · This study on yellow-bellied marmots demonstrates the key constraints surrounding the research of age-related changes in reproduction in wild ...
[93]
Spatiotemporal variation in survival rates: implications for population ...
Juvenile survival rates varied from 0.52 +/- 0.05 to 0.78 +/- 0.10 among sites and from 0.15 +/- 0.14 to 0.89 +/- 0.06 over time. Adult survival rates varied ...
[94]
Age-specific survival in the socially monogamous alpine marmot ...
Mar 12, 2016 · Survival starts to decrease from 6 to 8 years of age in dominant alpine marmots, which is quite similar to the value obtained from the model in ...
[95]
Climate change and the conservation of marmots
The currently recognized 15 species of marmots (Table 1) are restricted to the northern hemisphere [1]. The habitats occupied by marmots range from small, ...
[96]
Current Status - Marmot Recovery Foundation
The Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is listed as Endangered under the federal Species At Risk Act (SARA) and by the Committee on the Status of ...
[97]
[PDF] Olympic Marmot ESA Listing Petition - Center for Biological Diversity
May 13, 2024 · This scientific and legal petition seeks Endangered Species Act protection for the. Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus). ... The IUCN Red List of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[98]
Projects - Blumstein Lab - UCLA
Current work focuses on yellow-bellied marmots at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado to better understand the evolution of alarm calling and ...
[99]
A double observer approach for tracking the abundance of Alpine ...
Jul 1, 2025 · We monitored a population of Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) in Stelvio National Park (Italian Alps) over an 8-year period, from 2017 to 2024.Missing: Rockies | Show results with:Rockies
[100]
Bringing the endangered Vancouver Island marmot back from the ...
Aug 29, 2020 · Historically, predation was not an issue for Vancouver Island marmots. But high-elevation logging and road building have fragmented habitat ...
[101]
Conservationists sue for endangered species protection for Olympic ...
Oct 29, 2025 · The Olympic marmot is endemic to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and have faced threats from climate change and coyote predation.
[102]
Marmota vancouverensis Vancouver Island Marmot - Gov.bc.ca
As of 2022, there are approximately 182-225 individuals in the wild within 27 colonies. Major threats include predation by native species, ecosystem ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[103]
The Vancouver Island Marmot: Canada's Conservation Comeback ...
Nov 27, 2024 · Since then, the population has steadily grown. By 2021, over 250 marmots were living in the wild, spread across 25 colonies. Why Canadians Care.<|control11|><|separator|>
[104]
Contrasting effects of climate change on seasonal survival of a ... - NIH
Prolonged snow cover in spring has a negative impact on marmot survival and reproduction (57), and marmots have to wait longer for food plants to appear (61).
[105]
Marmot - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating c.1600 from French marmotte, from Romansch murmont and Latin murem montis "mountain mouse," marmot means a large Alpine rodent, later applied to ...
[106]
MARMOT Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
First recorded in 1600–10; from French marmotte, Old French, apparently noun derivative of marmotter “to mutter, murmur” (referring to the whistling noises ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[107]
Folk Etymology | Interesting Thing of the Day
Dec 24, 2018 · The name woodchuck is derived from a word in one of the Algonquian languages spoken by Native Americans—either the Cree word otchek or the ...
[108]
woodchuck - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Borrowed from Cree ocêk, otchek (“fisher”), borrowed from Ojibwe ojiig (“fisher, marten”), or a similar term in a related Algonquian language, ...
[109]
The specialized exploitation at Grotte di Pradis (Italian pre-Alps)
Feb 1, 2022 · Pradis represents a specialized hunting camp for the exploitation of alpine marmot. Bone surfaces show an intensive and standardized treatment of marmot ...
[110]
Marmots in human culture: from folklore to research (Chapter 1)
Marmots were hunted in the fall after molt when they provided a light but finely furred pelt prized for clothing. Marmot hides were used in potlatches (Drucker ...
[111]
Marmot - Vintage Fashion Guild
From ancient time until the end of the 19th century, the marmot has been hunted (mainly by the poor) for its meat, skin, and fat. In 1890, fur experts from ...
[112]
Can you have a marmot as a pet? Why or why not? - Quora
Jun 30, 2016 · Not only are they illegal to have as pets, but their instincts make them unsuited to being pets. It's not possible to tame an adult, and even ...Are marmots friendly?How do you tame a marmot to keep it as a pet?More results from www.quora.com
[113]
The secret to longevity? Ask a yellow-bellied marmot | UCLA
Mar 7, 2022 · The marmots' hibernation alternates between periods of metabolic suppression that last a week or two and shorter periods of increased ...Missing: immune | Show results with:immune
[114]
Science Story April 2020 - Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Marmots are really attractive to biologists because they're a handy resource for studying how animals respond to climate change, what animals get (if anything) ...
[115]
Groundhog Day: Ancient Origins of a Modern Celebration
Feb 1, 2022 · This annual festival traces its origin to 1887, when members of the local Elks Lodge first went to nearby Gobbler's Knob to consult a groundhog ...
[116]
Associations with the Plague, Hunting, and Cosmology in Mongolia
Oct 13, 2021 · Marmots in Mongolia are associated with the plague, as a chimerical being, and are hunted for food and medicine, with potential punishment for ...
[117]
Hunted animals as Mongolian medicine - OpenEdition Journals
Eating raw marmot organ is not practiced in many areas and it is unusual for ethnic Kazakhs to hunt and eat marmot in the western provinces of Mongolia.
[118]
Humans, Dogs and Other Beings - 3. The Marmot
Despite being hunted by Mongols and their ancestors for centuries, if not millennia, marmots historically served as one of the primary carriers of the plague ...History: The Marmot, The... · The Marmot In History · The Plague In The Times Of...
[119]
Allgäu Alps - Marmot watching at the Kemptner Hütte - Wildlife Travel
Jun 2, 2021 · Kemptner Hütte is a spot where alpine marmots live. Hikers with time and patience can observe quite many alpine marmots in this area and experience unique ...
[120]
Hibernation slows epigenetic ageing in yellow-bellied marmots - PMC
Hibernation is characterized by long periods of metabolic suppression (torpor) interspersed by short periods of increased metabolism (arousal). The torpor– ...Missing: dehydration | Show results with:dehydration
[121]
Yellow-bellied Marmots (Marmota flaviventris) preserve bone ... - NIH
In this study we examined the effects of hibernation on bone structural, mineral, and mechanical properties in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris).Missing: papers | Show results with:papers<|control11|><|separator|>
[122]
Endocrine Regulation of Bone and Energy Metabolism in ...
Reduction of insulin during hibernation may provide a protective function against bone resorption in bears, hedgehogs, marmots, and ground squirrels. However, ...
[123]
Expert Answers on Yellow-Bellied Marmots as Pets in Idaho
May 19, 2019 · She's a rare pet, and many vets don't even know what she is, making it hard to find someone who can help me. I googled this last night and found ...<|separator|>
[124]
[PDF] Marmot
Agricultural Code pertaining to pests. Damage: Alfalfa, legumes, grasses. It hosts the tick that carries Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Range: Sierra Nevada ...
[125]
Golden Eagle Festival 2024: Traditional Hunting in Mongolia
Each year, Kazakh hunters from near and far attend the festival for competitions based on the speed, agility, and accuracy of their magnificent hunting eagles.Missing: marmot regulated
[126]
Eagle hunting in West Mongolia, and the Golden Eagle Festival
Kazakhs in West Mongolia use eagles for hunting fur animals. The Golden Eagle Festival is a tourist event, not an ancient tradition, with real hunting from Nov ...Missing: regulated | Show results with:regulated
[127]
Marmots and Yersinia pestis Strains in Two Plague Endemic Areas ...
Jul 3, 2019 · The results indicate that plague can circulate continuously in the Tien Shan Mountains in populations of gray marmots and their ectoparasites ...
[128]
Marmots and Yersinia pestis Strains in Two Plague Endemic Areas ...
Jul 4, 2019 · The results indicate that plague can circulate continuously in the Tien Shan Mountains in populations of gray marmots and their ectoparasites ...Missing: reservoirs tarbagan
[129]
(PDF) Polytopic Speciation of the Plague Microbe Yersinia pestis as ...
Aug 6, 2025 · Environmental and biogeographic data indicate the spread of the plague microbe from the populations of the Tarbagan marmot to the populations of ...
[130]
The source of the Black Death in fourteenth-century central Eurasia
Jun 15, 2022 · Here we report ancient DNA data from seven individuals exhumed from two of these cemeteries, Kara-Djigach and Burana. Our synthesis of ...
[131]
Serologic Evidence of Leptospirosis in Woodchucks (Marmota ...
Woodchucks collected from two dairy farms with histories of bovine leptospirosis did not have a greater prevalence of antibodies than woodchucks collected from ...
[132]
Tick disease found in dead marmot in Crater Lake | The Hole Scroll
Jul 27, 2018 · A dead marmot in Crater Lake on Teton Pass tested positive for tularemia this week, a disease that can be serious and potentially deadly for humans.
[133]
Bubonic Plague Strikes In Mongolia: Why Is It Still A Threat? - NPR
May 7, 2019 · A couple died of bubonic plague on May 1 after reportedly hunting marmots, large rodents that can harbor the bacterium that causes the disease, and eating the ...
[134]
Two fatal cases of plague after consumption of raw marmot organs
Marmot meat is considered a delicacy in Mongolia, but its consumption confers a risk of Y. pestis infection. In plague-endemic districts, healthcare ...Missing: Asia Europe
[135]
Climate-driven marmot-plague dynamics in Mongolia and China
Jul 24, 2023 · Specifically, we observed a positive relationship between risk of plague and high levels of precipitation; however, this effect was significant ...
[136]
(PDF) Climate-driven marmot-plague dynamics in Mongolia and China
Jul 18, 2023 · Climate change can influence the populations of the plague host or vector, leading to variations in the occurrence and epidemiology of plague in ...
[137]
Associations with the Plague, Hunting, and Cosmology in Mongolia
Oct 13, 2021 · Despite carrying plague bacteria, marmots have been identified by ecologists as a 'keystone species' in their largely intact forest-steppe ...