Influence de la chasse sur Marmota baibacina centralis Thomas dans le Tien Chan septentrional. Influence of hunting on Marmota baibacina centralis Thomas in northern Tien Shan Mountains.

Résumé

In March-August of 1986-1990 in the Sarytau Mts. (spurs of Ketmen Ridge) on 3 experimental sites (surface of each site: 1.5 km2, density: 90-150 marmots for 1 km2), 78 families were observed. Around 10-25% of the population were hunted annually. It was ascertained that moderated hunting stimulated reproduction in the family groups. Whereas before the beginning of hunting juveniles were present in 74.4% of the family groups, in 1988-89. after 2-3 years of hunting, they were present in 93.6%individuals (69 of them adults) were taken, in 1988 only 5.3% of them did not have litters 1987, 1001989 from 27 hunted during previous years, 4l adults were taken; in 1990 only one the family groups (3.6%) did not have juveniles. At the same time from 22 of the family groups not being hunted 9.l% did not have juveniles the next year. From 6 to 11 marmots (including 4-7 adults) were taken from 4 the family groups during 4 years which annually had litters; from 6 not hunted annually l-2 did not have juveniles. The negative influence of hunting reveals itself in the mortality of juveniles which is usually higher in families where females with juveniles had been taken. Thus, in 15 such the family groups 28 (49%) juveniles from 59 perished in 1987-1988, whereas in control families and in those where juveniles were taken together with individuals of the third and fourth year the mortality of juveniles reached 35.2% (74 of 210 born marmots).