Home range types, condition and outlook of the steppe marmot settlement in the chalky landscape of “Dvorichanskyi” NNP

Abstract

The results of long-term observations (2003–2017) in the settlement of the steppe marmot inhabiting the right bank of the Oskol River (Kharkov region) are given. Identification and mapping of marmot home ranges was carried out according to the standard method. The purpose of the work is to substantiate and propose measures to prevent the disappearance of marmot settlements. The main tasks: 1) to count the number of the marmot families; 2) to analyze the spatial structure of the settlement and the ratio of types of the home ranges; 3) to determine the main trends in the change of these parameters. In the article, the main factors that have a positive impact on marmot population are listed. According to the 5-point scale, the strength of their influence in different parts of the settlement is assessed, as well as the viability of the settlement parts. The ratio of the three types of home ranges is illustrated, and its change in the transformation process of the settlement. It is noted that the number of families continues to decrease; the condition of the settlement is recognized as unsatisfactory. Based on the data about prevailing type of home ranges and features of the settlement structure, measures to preserve the steppe marmot are justified. As the measure similar to cattle grazing, the repeated mowing of meadow grass stands within the foraging areas of concrete families is considered. It is proposed to exclude steppe marmot from the list of hunting and commercial species and introduce it into the Red Book of Ukraine.