Factors that lead to a decline in numbers of Mongolian marmot populations

Abstract

Using a series of country-wide transects and a questionnaire administered to those with knowledge of marmot populations, we estimated that there are now about 8 million marmots in Mongolia. Our survey and previous studies of maximal marmot abundances produced estimates that ranged from 21 to 24 million animals. Our research showed that the decline in marmot populations from the beginning of 1990-th to 2007 was mostly due to increased hunting pressure. Hunting pressure increased when foreign buyers purchased marmot pelts unlimited offering significantly higher prices than offered in the past. These higher prices lead to the initiation of hunting during the spring reproductive season of marmots and the increased use of traps and snares to capture marmots. Greater access to automobiles and an improved highway system lead to more widespread and intense hunting of marmots than in the past. In the 7 years after 2000 there was increased subsistence hunting of marmots for food, fur, and traditional medicines. A spring drought during portions of the 7 year period may have deceased marmot numbers. Also contributing to the decline of marmots during this period was an increase in the number of dogs used by shepherds — dogs that preyed on marmots.

Keywords:

• Marmota sibirica
• M. baibacina
• Mongolia
• sources of mortality
• population numbers