Ecological and geographical aspects of Himalyan marmot (Marmota himalyana) distribution in Indian Tibet [Aspects géographique et écologique de la distribution de la marmotte de l'Himalaya (Marmota himalyana) dans le Tibet Indien].

Résumé

In August 2007, we studied Himalayan marmot distribution in Indian Tibet along the following route: Tso-Moriri Lake (4520 m) – Parang La pass (5678 m). We marked GPS coordinates for marmot family ranges and burrows along the distance of 130 km. We also plotted burrow locations and arrangement within each family range and briefly estimate quantity of marmots in family. As a result, there have been determined the higher and lower bounds for the range of distribution of Himalayan marmot population (in Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) regions of Tibetan highland. Marmot colonies were found starting at 4350 m at high alpine zone. The higher altitudinal limit of range was defined as 4800 m with few single burrows found at 4905 m. We found 3 main ecological types of marmot population in the studied region: 1. highland and semi-desert type; 2. highland swamp type; 3. the type that inhabits narrow alpine vegetation strips along river banks. These ecotypes differed significantly in size and structure of family ranges, quantity and size of families, and phenotypes of animals (size, coloration, fur length etc.). According to our observations as well as to results of local people questionnaires, Himalayan marmot population in this region is sustainable; it is not affected by human activity, either hunting or tourism. Animals are not afraid of people, and make a convenient target for future research.