Marmota mongola

activity

Activity patterns. Tarbagan Marmots are diurnal and social hibernators. They are only active for 5 - 6 months each summer and hibernate in burrows for the remaining 6 - 7 months of the year; spring emergenceis in April-May.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Open habitats in semi-desert, steppe, foreststeppe, and grass-covered montane slopes and valleys.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Burrows of Tarbagan Marmots are relatively complex with multiple entrances and are recognizable by a small pile of soil and barren ring around the entrance. Colonies are extensive; densities are 1 - 7 ind / ha. They overwinter in communal groups of as many as 20 individuals and are highly social species. Group member interactions are highly amicable, and unfamiliar individuals face considerable aggression and chases. Family groups are composed of reproductive pair and their young from previouslitters, young under or equalto three years of age. Alarm call is a simple high-pitched whistle.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. The Tarbagan Marmot lives in multi-burrow colonies. Mating occurs in March-April immediately after emergence from hibernation. Litters of 3 - 8 young are born in burrows after gestation of 40 - 42 days. Young emerge in June and remain with their natal group for at least three years. First-year survival is 70 - 80 % if females are not removed by trapping and hunting.

Sciuridae