272 Marmota baibacina(China). It was introduced into the Caucasus Mountains
(Dagestan, Russia).
geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.
M. b. baibacina—eastern range of the Altai and Tien Shan
Mountains. It is characterized by its more cinnamon dark
back, with a lighter-colored venter.
M. b. centralis—western and central ranges of the Altai
Mountains. It has a rust to orange venter.
conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—no information.
habitat: Gray marmots are found in gently sloping open
(or, less frequently, boulder-strewn) mountain steppes, al-
pine meadows, and ridgetops, at elevations up to 4000 m.
natural history: This squirrel is diurnal. Gray marmots
hibernate for seven to eight months and overwinter in com-
munal groups, with as many as 10 individuals to a burrow.
They form multiburrow colonies. After mating in May and
early June, gray marmots produce a single litter of two to six
young after approximately 40 days of gestation. Maturation
is slow, and it may not occur for three years. M. baibacina
nest in burrows and appear to form communal groups.
They forage primarily on grasses and herbaceous material
growing in open grasslands and valleys. Their major preda-
tors are wolves (Canis lupus), foxes, domestic dogs, polecats,
felids, and large raptors. Gray marmots are hunted for meat,
pelts, and components of indigenous medicines; hunting
pressure appears to be the major threat facing this species,
which seems to be declining within its range.general references: Armitage 2009; Demberel and Bat-
bold 1991; Kolesnikov et al. 2009; Rogovin 1992.Marmota bobak (Müller, 1776)
Bobak Marmotdescription: Bobak marmots have a relatively uniform
coloration, with a straw yellow to rust-colored dorsum and
only a slightly lighter-colored venter. A variable portion of
the head is dark brown to black. The tail darkens near the
tip to brown or black.size: Both sexes—HB 490–575 mm; T 106–130 mm; Mass
5700 g.Marmota baibacina. Photo courtesy Kenneth B. Armitage.