Trofická základňa a potravová aktivita svišťa vrchovského tatranského (Marmota marmota latirostris Kratochvil, 1961) [Bases trophiques et activité nutritionnelle de la marmotte (M. m. latirostris). Trophic base and nutritional activity of the marmot]. Trophic base and nutritional activity of the marmot].

Résumé

The aim of this study was to present the results supplementing our knowledge of the nutritional base of the marmot (Marmota marmota latirostris Kratochvil, 1961) and to determine the effect of anthropogenous factors on its foraging activity. Our measurements showed that the territory of the marmot’s colony extended over an area of 47 600 sq m. According to our research, marmot’s principal dens are to be found in middle and high-stem grass associations : Luzuletum alpino-pilosae, Festucetum pictae and Calamagrostietum villosae which also play an important role in marmots’ defense system against enemies. These animals’ only weapon against predators is escape and consequently marmots burrow a system of dens in a varied relief (rocky cIiffs, scree) and in high-stem grass associations where they are less noticeable than in reliefs of more uniform localities. We have found that the marmot consumes most frequently: • entire plants with part of the root of Gentiana punctata and Ligusticum mutellina, • entire above-ground part of the plants Luzula alpino-pilosa, Adenostyles alliariae, Doronicum austriacum and Geum montanum, • leaves of Doronicum styriacum, Polygonum bistorta, Veratrum album subsp. lobelianum, Calamagrostis villosa, Anthoxanthum alpinum, Rumex arifolius, Hieracium alpinum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Solidago alpestris, Homogyne alpina, Potentilla aurea, Ranunculus pseudomontanus, Campanula polymorpha, Campanula alpina, Festuca picta, Avenella flexuosa, Poa alpina var. vivipara, Valeriana tripteris, Poa granitica, Juncus trifidus, Oreochloa disticha, Bartsia alpina, Soldanella carpatica, Valeriana sambucifolia, Thymus pulcherrimus, Taraxacum sp., Ranunculus platanifolius, Geranium sylvaticum and Euphrasia sp. Samples of grazed plants and their physiological parts are deposited as documentary material at the Research Station of the TANAP Management. No essential differences in plant associations were found as regards setting up of colonies in tourist-frequented valleys and reservations. The effect of visiting frequency, however, is reflected in foraging activity, grazing territories becoming restricted and marmot colonies moving to sites more removed from tourist paths which run for the most part through valleys abounding in juicy plants, to spots below rocky walls, in screes, etc., with plant associations nutritionally less valuable, as e. g. Junco trifidi - Oreochloetum distichae, Festucetum versicoloris, Agrostietum rupestris etc. Among these, the principal components of marmot diet, i. e. Gentiannna punctata, Luzula alpino-pilosa, Adenostyles alliariae, Doronicum austriacum, Polygonum bistorta and others, are less represented, or may be altogether lacking. We have thus obtained further notions on circadian cycles in tourist-frequented valleys. Diurnal activities during the course of the active part of day were evaluated in percentages. We have noted the negative effects of disturbance from the early morning hours mountain-climbers, high-mountain tourists, ordinary tourists), which persisted in the areas of marmot colonies throughout the day until late night hours. Such constant presence of humans in the area of marmot colonies interrupts and shortens their feeding activity, depresses inborn behavioural mechanisms and instinctive vigilance (lowered escape distance, decline of burrowing activity, negative influence on social and comfort behaviour, etc.), while there is a percentage increase in orienting-exploratory activity, defense and escape manifestations, acoustic displays and movement inside dens.