Marmot disturbances in a Mongolian steppe vegetation

Abstract

We conducted a study in Mongolia on the Stipa steppe, which is the main habitat for the Siberian marmot ( Marmota sibirica). The marmots create mounds that differ greatly in vegetation cover. Three types of mounds were distinguished, depending on the species dominating the vegetation on the mounds: an Artemisia type of mound, Leymus type and a Stipa type. It is hypothesized that the three types of mound represent a series of succession. The activities of the marmots lead to enhanced forage quality on the Artemisia and Leymus types of mound, as indicated by increased nitrogen concentrations in the on-mound vegetation.