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Borrowing from burrowers: Conservation
lessons from alpine-dwelling marmots
Authors:
Tim Karels, Centre for Biodiversity Research,
University of British Columbia,
Vancouver, BC,
Justin Brashares, Centre for Biodiversity Research, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,
Andrew A. Bryant, Andrew A. Bryant Services, Nanaimo, BC
Abstract: Marmots (Marmota sp) are a widespread
taxonomic group inhabiting alpine regions throughout the northern
hemisphere. The broad distribution and restricted habitat
requirements of marmots make them candidates for use as indicators
of disturbance and change in mountain ecosystems. Here, we provide
a comparative overview of the behavior, ecology, and conservation
history of four species of alpine-dwelling marmots from three
continents. We focus on the major threats to population
persistence for each of the four species in its alpine habitat.
Whereas studies of alpine-dwelling marmots in Europe and Asia have
shown historic population declines primarily as a result of direct
impacts such as hunting, studies of North American marmots suggest
that marmots also may be vulnerable to indirect impacts such as
climate and landscape change. We consider the biological,
political and management implications of these impacts and discuss
some of the ways that marmot conservation highlights challenges
intrinsic to maintaining species in mountain communities.
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