Structure and location of burrows of yellow-bellied marmot [Structure et localisation des terriers de la marmotte à ventre jaune].

Résumé

The yellow-bellied marmot spends approximately 80% of its life in a burrow. Burrows provide protection from the rigors of the environment, predators and other marmots. They provide a hibernaculum in winter and may function as a nursery in summer. Selection of a burrow site is therefore an important aspect in the biology of marmots. Measurements were made on direction of exposure, angle of slope, drainage, soil type, topographic features, and vegetation. Home burrows occur on open grassy of herb-covered slopes of an angle of 15 -40 , facing in a northeasterly or southwesterly direction, and containing rocks and boulders. The latter support the burrow and serve as sunning and observation sites. Five dissected home-burrows showed no marked differences in general configuration.