280 Marmota himalayanahead. The tail is buff to light brown at the base with a char-
coal to black tip.
size: Both sexes—HB 475–670 mm; T 125–150 mm; Mass
4000–9215 g.
distribution: M. himalayana is found in the mountains of
western China, extending south into Ladakh (Pakistan) and
northern India, and from Nepal, Bhutan, and extreme
northeastern India to Tibet.
geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.
M. h. himalayana—western portion of range. These forms
are lighter in color and without rust to orange colors.
M. h. robusta—eastern portion of the range. Chinese forms
have a buff and black mix on the dorsum, with buff to
orange buff on the venter. Their subspecifi c status is
questionable.
conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—no information.
habitat: M. himalayana is found in a lpine meadows, upla nd
grasslands, and desert conditions, often on slopes with
small shrubs, where soil can be readily excavated. One of
the highest-living mammals in the world, the Himalayan
marmots are found at elevations of 5670 m. M. himalayana is
also the southernmost-occurring species of marmot.
natural history: This species is diurnal. Himalayan
marmots hibernate for six to seven months in burrows, and
they emerge for a short intensive season of foraging on the
grasses, forbs, roots, fl owers, and bulbs found in cold dry
meadows. M. himalayana can persist in overgrazed pastures
throughout their range and still fi nd forage, although these
conditions may not be ideal. Burrows are often extensive,
with large mounds, and they reach deep belowground (more
than 10 m in some cases); summer burrows may be shal-
lower. Colonies are highly variable in size, ranging from
isolated family groups to expanses of more than 100 bur-
rows. The young are born in the burrow after a gestation of
about 30 days; litter size averages 4.8 young in high-density
populations and 7 at low densities. Natal dispersal is de-
layed, and social groups typically consist of a single domi-
nant adult male, an adult female, some 2–year-olds, plus 1–
year-olds and young-of-the-year. Females can reproduce in
their second year. Interactions among group members are
highly amicable; however, intruders are greeted with dis-
plays, tooth chatters, and chases. A single relatively com-
plex alarm call—consisting of two distinct sounds—is pro-
duced in response to threats or to the perception of predation
risk. Snow leopards (Panthera [Uncia] uncia), raptors, wolves
(Canis lupus), and the dogs of herdsmen appear to be this
species’ principal predators. Their conservation status re-
fl ects the rapid loss of alpine and subalpine meadows, due
to an intensive conversion to agriculture. M. himalayana is
hunted and trapped locally for food, pelts, and medicinal
purposes.general references: Bibikow 1996; Molur et al. 2005;
Nikol’skii and Ulak 2006; Oli 1994; T. J. Roberts 1977.Marmota himalayana. Photo courtesy David Blank, http://www.an
imaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu.