Marmots of Kyrgystan?: conservation by sustainable use. Sourki Kyrgystana?: sokhranenie tcherez oustoïtchivoe ipol’zovanie. [Marmottes de Kirghizie?: conservation par utilisation durable].

Résumé

This report illustrates some aspects which determine status of population of grey marmot (Marmota baibacina Kastsch, 1899), long-tailed marmot (Marmota caudata Geoff, 1842) and Menzbier's marmot (Marmota menzbieri Kaschk, 1925.) inhabiting in area of 120-130 thousand sq. km, which cover 70 % of the Republic area. The potential population of marmots in Kyrgyzstan is estimated about 900 thousand marmots including grey marmots (about 600 thousand individuals), long-tailed marmots - 300 thousand, and population of Menzbier's marmot is about 500-12000 individuals. The economical value for local communities is estimated by sustainable yielding of 100000 of marmots, which includes 20 tons of fat. From 1960s a steady decline of long-tailed marmot population was general tendency. The main factor of this tendency was:extermination of marmots for plague hygienics in the area of 10000 sq. km, where density of marmot's population was decreased from 40-50 to 2-5 individuals per 1 sq. km. Hunting and poaching: The dynamics marmot's skins yielding changed from 125000 in 1950s to 26-3 thousand in 1982. Influence of changing climate: it is considered that grey marmot invasion and occupation of Central Tien -Shan, which opened entrance to red marmot's natural habitat, took place in period of warming between glacial epochs (Bibikov, Berendiaev 1978). Reduction of natural habitat of long-tailed marmot was forced not only by anthropogenic factors, changing climate influenced too. The lower border of marmot's habitat on the Northern slope of Alai ridge moved to the South for 30 - 50 km. Remains of past settlement were found a few dozens and hundreds of kilometers away from the current border of natural habitat. The condition of marmots' population (2-15 individuals per km.) on the area of 3/4 of the habitat is depressed. Competition: natural habitats of Menzbier's marmot are in more harsh conditions comparing to long-tailed marmot. There is a tendency of gradual Menzbier's marmot habitat movement to high watersheds. Wide range of habitats on different altitudes (600-4500 rn a. s. 1.), demonstrates its less specialization and less competitive ability to grey marmot.