Influence anthropique sur Marmota bobac Mull. Anthropogeneous influence on Marmota bobac Müll.

Résumé

Marmota bobac Müll. of the Saratov region is considered as a biological model to study ecological mechanisms of animal population transformations under anthropogeneous effects. Researches on determining the influence of intensive economic activities on marmots conducted for many years (1960-1993) have allowed to reveal multiple adaptations of this animal to living in anthropogeneous landscapes. The way of marmot distribution within the region given and its biotop have been changed. Locations of marmot dwelling are associated with lands unsuitable for agriculture. Progressive growth of gully-type places of dwelling has been noted; forest biotops and locations of uninhabited farms and villages are being developed. When virgin lands are ploughed up marmots concentrate at the borders of areas under crops and at the sides of field roads and density of their population reaches 9.6-10.8 individuals per hectare. Damages of crops caused by marmots have been observed. While studying marmot biotopic populations of different level of anthropogeneous influence differences in the spatial structure of populations, morphophysiological indicators, ways of daily and seasonal activities, feeding, family composition and ethology have been found. The studies conducted allow to assume consolidation of ecological features being studied at the population level and formation of adapted Marmota bobac Müll. populations on anthropogeneous territories.