Some measure of Menzbier's marmot (Marmota menzbieri) conservation in Uzbekistan [Quleques mesures de conservation de la marmotte de Menzbier (Marmota menzbieri) la conservation de l'Ouzbékistan].

Résumé

Habitats of Menzbier’s marmot are located in mountains of the Western Tien Shan in Tashkent and Namangan provinces within the Chatkal biosphere nature reserve, Brichmulla Akhangaranand forestry farms. The total population of Menzbier’s marmots is 5000-7000 individuals. The status of the +Menzbier’s marmot in Uzbekistan has been somewhat deteriorating in the last 20 years. This species included in national Red Book and IUCN Red List. The threats of Menzbier’s marmot are: a) Persecution by shepherd’s dogs. B) Poaching by local shepherds hunt marmots for medicinal fat, skin and meat. C) Habitat fragmentation; d) Competition with domestic livestock. F) Deterioration of habitats. Persecution by shepherd’s dogs is one of main threats of marmots. Habitats of marmot represent high-mountainous pastures, which are intensively used within three summer months, except territory Chatkal Nature Reserve. According to local traditions, shepherds practically do not feed the dogs and those are compelled to hunt. Thus marmots are their favorite preys. Effect of shepherd’s dogs persecution on marmot’s population is considerably higher that total impact natural predators, red fox, wolf, golden eagle and snow leopard. It is necessary to enter stringent restriction of use shepherd’s dogs in habitats of Menzbier’s marmot, namely: to hold them on leash during daytime. Thus livestock will be protected as well as damage to a marmot will considerably be reduced. Also, it is necessary to limit number of dogs per one herd (no more than 2 dogs). Currently, this number is really exceeded in 2 – 3 times.