Otcherk biologii tcherno-shapotchnogo sourka (Marmota camtschatica Pall.) [Étude sur la biologie de la marmotte à tête noire. Biological sketch of the black-capped marmot].

Résumé

In 1995 and 1956 the study of the marmot Marmota camtschatica Pall. was carried out in the northern part of the Verkhoyansk mountain range. A total of 96 animals were dissected, 45 hibernation sites inspected, of which 8 were duf out. The marmot is a typical qweller of the moutainous tundra, its population desity is 1 animal per 1.9-6 km2. Winter burrows are made in a soft ground, in summer the marmot dwells in stone deposits and rock fissures. The depth of hibernation chambers makes 1 m in average, their dimensions are 80x60x60 cm. In winter the chamber is filled up with dry grass (weight of 9-12 kg), in the midst of which the animals lie. Hibernation takes 8-8,5 months. The marmots feed mainly on plants but reaily eat up animal food (invertebrates, mice like rodents). They cast litter 1-2 weeks after their emergence from the burrows. A litter consists of 3-11, usually of 5 youngs. The weight of a newly born animal makes 33g, its body lenght 10.7 cm. The moult takes 3 months.