The state and population of the steppe marmot (<i>Marmota bobak</i> Müller, 1776) in the territory of the National Park «Sengileevsky gory»

Abstract

The research results presented in the article were carried out in the spring period 2014, 2017, 2023. The population of the steppe marmot was studied and the family plots located in the valley of the Arbuga River and along the slopes of the Arbuginsky mountain of the Sengileevsky and Ulyanovsk districts of the Ulyanovsk Region were counted. In 2014, this settlement was one of the largest in the Ulyanovsk Region and consisted of 80 family plots, covering about 8 km. In 2017, the settlement was reduced to 16 sites. After this territory became part of the National Park «Sengileevsky gory» the settlement of the steppe marmot increased again and today consists of 51 sites. The length of the settlement is currently more than 9 km. Most of the old burrows are located on steep slopes. The formation of new burrows on the terrace and in the field was noted. The lowest level of anxiety in different periods was recorded on the southern slope of Arbuginsky Mountain. Uncontrolled hunting causes the greatest damage to the number of marmots. Therefore, it can be stated that only comprehensive actions to protect the steppe marmot have a positive effect.