Climate change impacts on population of menzbier's marmot (Marmota menzbieiri) in Uzbekistan [Répercussions des changements climatiques sur la population de la marmotte menzbier (Marmota menzbieiri) en Ouzbékistan].

Résumé

The problem of the climatic change and protection of rare species is poorly developed and currently is confirmed with a few instances such Menzbier’s marmot. Uzbekistan shelters almost half of the world population of this species. In Chatkal Ridge, this marmot vanished in the vicinity of heights Takali, Hovli and Chimgan. Comparison current data of number and distribution of Menzbier’s marmot in Chatkal nature reserve with data received by V.I. Mashkin (1993) demonstrates tendency of reduction of marmot’s population there.A study of the state of Menzbier’s marmot in high-mountain Angren Plateau, carried out by O.V. Mitropolsky (FFI report on climate change impacts on biodiversity in Uzbekistan, 2008), shoxed that rise in the lower broder of snow cover has signgificantly deteriorated the habitation of this mesophilous species. About 60% of former habitats lie beyond zone of constant humidification and plant vegetation and to a larger degree became unsuitable for their habitation. The surviving marmots have aggregated near sparse springs, where they are extensively killed by herdsmen. A relative stable number of Menzbier’s marmots are noted in colonies located higher than 3000 m asl. Despite the prognosis that the effect of the global warming is less manifested in high-mountain areas against the arid zones, the forecasted increase in the level and intensity of snow and glacier melting can lead to a shift of the vertical zonality, a significant reduction and fragmentation of the habitats of the Menzbier’s marmot.