The numbers and the spatial structure of the population of Tatra marmot Marmota marmota latirostris in the Gasienicowa Valley in the Tatra National Park [Chiffres et structure spatiale de la population de marmottes des Tatra Marmota marmota latirostris dans la vallée de Gąsienicowa du Parc National des Tatras].

Résumé

Research was carried out from 1998 to 2001. Ten families of Tatra marmot were observed. The composition and number of animals in individual family groups were recorded during successive years. The number of animals rose from 21 individuals in 1998 to 51 in 2000 and 45 in 2001. The den system in each site consisted of one main den, 1–2 summer dens and many ( ~~x = 10 to 48) short (up to 1 m) temporary shelter dens. The site of individual families ranged from 2.5 to 7.8 ha ( ~~x = 5.6, SD = 1.9 ha). They were found at altitudes of 1680 to 2000 m above sea level, and the distance between neighboring sites was from 20 to 650 m.