Presentation Title
Restoring the Siberian Marmot: Recovery of an Endangered Species in the Mongolian Steppe
Abstract
The Siberian marmot (Marmota sibirica), a keystone species once considered to be common and widespread throughout Mongolia, has undergone dramatic declines in recent years. Overharvesting (both legal and illegal), overgrazing, and habitat changes have led to considerable declines and resulted in localized extinctions in several parts of the country, prompting a strong need among local, regional, and national authorities for conservation efforts to restore the species. Estimated at 40 million individuals in 1940, surveys found less than 5 million remaining in 2001, and numbers are believed to have since declined even further. To assess the current status of the species in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, located in the Eastern Gobi Steppe, we surveyed 62 historic marmot colonies previously found to be active in 2010. Of these, a mere 3 showed signs of marmot activity, meaning a 95% decline. An occupancy analysis was used to assess ecological landscape characteristics and determine key areas for reintroductions. We identified optimal habitat in the landscape to inform future reintroduction plans for the recovery of the species.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
James (Jed) Murdoch
Graduate Student Mentors
Lisi Lohre
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Primary Research Category
Biological Sciences
Restoring the Siberian Marmot: Recovery of an Endangered Species in the Mongolian Steppe
The Siberian marmot (Marmota sibirica), a keystone species once considered to be common and widespread throughout Mongolia, has undergone dramatic declines in recent years. Overharvesting (both legal and illegal), overgrazing, and habitat changes have led to considerable declines and resulted in localized extinctions in several parts of the country, prompting a strong need among local, regional, and national authorities for conservation efforts to restore the species. Estimated at 40 million individuals in 1940, surveys found less than 5 million remaining in 2001, and numbers are believed to have since declined even further. To assess the current status of the species in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, located in the Eastern Gobi Steppe, we surveyed 62 historic marmot colonies previously found to be active in 2010. Of these, a mere 3 showed signs of marmot activity, meaning a 95% decline. An occupancy analysis was used to assess ecological landscape characteristics and determine key areas for reintroductions. We identified optimal habitat in the landscape to inform future reintroduction plans for the recovery of the species.