Population structure of long-tailed marmot (Marmota caudata Geoffroy) on Pamir. Strouktoura naseleniïa krasnogo sourka (Marmota caudata Geoffroy) na pamire. [Stucture de la population de la marmotte à longue queue (Marmota caudata Geoffroy) sur le Pamir].

Résumé

The long-tailed marmot - the widespread and the numerous inhabitant of deserted and steppe high-mountainous ecosystem of Pamirian plateau. Its vertical distribution is defined by heights 3600-4900 rn ab ove sea. Pamirian area of distribution of species covers 20 thousand KM2 that makes 52.6 % of total territory of Pamirian plateau. Settlements with the greatest density are located at heights of 3800-4300 rn, in wide valleys with equal reliefs and flat hillsides adjoining to them where humidity from thawing snows stimulates growth of plants. The greatest density of (settlements of tape and diffusive types) a marmot is in valleys of the rivers Markansu, Buzdjilga, Shadput, Gurumdi, Mashali, Kokoibelsu, Djartigumbez, Bashgumbez, vicinities lake Zorkul and pass Kojtezak. Focus type of settlement of marmots is to be found in vicinities of lakes Jashilkul, Bulunkul, natural boundaries Madijan, Julmazar, passes Hargush and Akbaital. Spreading of the red marmot is less and irregular on gorges of valleys Alichur, Aksu, Murghab, Rangkul hollows, vicinities Karakullake where vegetation is subject to pastoral digression. Resources of a long-tailed marmot in Pamir are significant and according to different authors' estimates within the limits of 70-200 thousand individuals (Derljatko, etc., 1967; Davidov, 1974; Odinashoev, 1987; Bibikov, 1989). In July, 2003 number of a long-tailed marmot has been estimated by us in 7 geographical districts of Pamir. Sites with regular seulement of marmots have been selected for assesment. Population density has been distributed as follows: 1) Southern-Alichur range, Djartigumbez (gorges Mashali, Khuseindgilga, Okkalama, 4100 rn) - 93 individual/krn2; 2) Pass Kyzylrabat (4300 rn) - 38 individuals/km2; 3) Pass Akbajtal (4750 m) - 27 individuals/ km2; 4) Muzkol range, natural boundaries Bululi (4300 rn) - 47 individuals/ km2; 5) Sarikol range, natural boundaries Shadput (4200 rn) - 78 individuals/ km2; 6) Southern-Alichur range, gorge Akdun (4300 rn) - 56 individuals/km2; 7) Pass Kojtezak ( 4200 m) - 43 individuals/km2. Thus, in places of the most regular distribution, number of a long-tailed marmot in Pamir varies within the limits of 27 -93 individuals/km2. For last 15 years resources of a long-tailed marmot in Pamir are not used in production. Distribution and number of species is significantly effected by overgrazing, intensive cutting down of teresken (Ceratoides papposa), the shepherd's and stray dogs.