Menzbier's Marmot / Menzbir Squirrel / Menzbier's Marmot
Menzbier’s marmot
Status: V category, Vulnerable, VUB1+2c. Rare species. Endemic to the Western Tien Shan, narrowly distributed, ancient mountain species [5].
General distribution and in the country. Mountain areas in the upper reaches of the Ugam, Pskem, Chatkal, and Angren rivers. Two subspecies of Menzbier's marmot have been identified - Ugam (South Kazakhstan region [26]) and Chatkal (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) [3, 25].
Habitats. In the Kyrgyz Republic, it inhabits the meadows of the Chatkal Ridge, west of the Chapchama Pass, in the upper belts of Kasan-Sai, Gava-Sai, and Ters [9, 25, 47].
Population. In the 1960s, in certain areas of the Chatkal Ridge, between 200 and 400 individuals were registered per 1 sq. km [3]. In 2001, they were no longer found at the Chapchama Pass. In the territory of the Besh-Aral Reserve, the population was up to 28 individuals per 1 sq. km (Chon-Bulak level), in other mountain areas - from 23 to 26 [6, 28]. In total - 1503 individuals. Currently, the population is slowly recovering [6].
Life style (life cycles). It settles in subalpine and alpine belts at altitudes from 2200 to 3400 m [6]. Usually on eastern and northern slopes, less often on western ones. It avoids steep slopes. It willingly establishes settlements near slowly melting snow, by small streams, where it is moist and there is lush grass [26]. Burrows are located in rocky areas; in some places, burrows were found in clearings with meadow and steppe vegetation. Generally, burrows have 2-3 entrances. It lives in families and colonies [6]. It leads a diurnal lifestyle. At the end of summer, it accumulates a significant amount of fat in its body, and in late August - early September, it goes into hibernation [6, 25], which lasts about 6.5-7 months [25, 26]. It wakes up at the end of March - beginning of April, depending on the altitude of habitation and the exposure of slopes [6]. It reproduces once a year. The fertility is low - 3-4 young [25, 26]. Females begin to reproduce after 2-3 winter hibernations [25], not all females produce offspring; there are no more than 20 females giving birth per 100 individuals [25]. Young appear on the surface at the end of May [6, 26]. The main food is herbaceous plants [6].
Limiting factors. Poaching. Terrestrial and avian predators.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). No data available.
Existing conservation measures. In Kyrgyzstan, since 1975, it has been included in the list of specially protected species. In the Besh-Aral Reserve, established in 1979, a special program for the restoration of the species population has been developed. It is included in the IUCN Red List and the Red Book of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Recommended conservation measures. Strengthening the protection of marmots in their habitats, tightening measures against poachers. Expanding the territory of the Besh-Aral Reserve, including those areas where this species still exists, studying its biology.
Menzbier suuru
Menzbier’s marmot
Marmota menzbieri Kaschkarov, 1925
Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU, B1+2c. Rare endemic species of Western Tien Shan. Inhabits in Chatkal Mountainous Ridge, westwards from Chapcham Pass in upper belts of Kasan-Sai, Gava-Sai and Ters Localities. According to reports of Besh-Aral zapovednik (protected area), there were around 10,000 animals registered in census in 1999. Later internally displaced people were settled next to protected area starting cattle breeding and hunting after marmots. Several years ago those people moved to a different place, stock of marmots have been slowly recovering. Prefers subalpine and alpine belts within 2,200-3,400 m (7,200-11,100 feet) above sea level. Marmot burrows located next to stone or meadow sites. Hibernates in winter for 6.5 -7 months, wakes up at the end of March- beginning of April. Breeds once a year, not all females mate. Juveniles appear outside at the end of May. Limiting factors are poaching, predators. No data on captivity holding. Included in protected list since 1975, Besh-Aral zapovednik was established with major purpose to protect that species. Included in the USSR Red Data Book. It is recommended to strengthen measures against poaching, increase Besh-Aral zapovednik square, research the biology of the species.
