Marmot Conservation

Until recently Siberian marmots (Marmota sibirica) were one of the most common mammals of the steppe region in Mongolia. Marmots live in fairly large colonies and may be a ‘keystone species’ – e.g., they affect community structure and function at a greater level than their numbers alone might suggest, much like prairie dogs in North America. Marmots affect vegetation around their colonies, are themselves food for a number of raptors and mammalian predators, and provide ready-made shelter for a wide variety of wildlife; particularly for foxes, Pallas’ cats, hedgehogs and a variety of passerine birds.

The Human Aspect
Marmots are critical to the Mongolian economy, providing food and local trade opportunities for nomadic herders. Marmot meat is a favorite local delicacy of nomadic herders. Additionally, marmot skins are sold internationally. A WCS wildlife trade survey found that the single largest volume of fur trade is for Siberian marmot. An estimated 3 million animals were harvested in 2004 alone, at an estimated market value of $30 to $40 million.

Threats
Rampant marmot trapping for the fur trade has led to recent declines in marmot numbers.  In response, the Mongolian government instituted a two-year ban on marmot trapping and hunting, which was recently extended an additional two years (2006 and 2007). Marmot once numbered over 40 million in Mongolia, dropping to around 20 million by 1990 and were last tallied at around 5 million (850,000 in the Eastern Steppe region) in 2002; a decline of 75% in only 12 years.

Drying marmot skins

WCS Activities
v The main objectives of WCS’s marmot survey are to estimate marmot densities and population, and to understand their current distribution in the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia using repeatable, quantifiable methodologies.  We are using our findings to assist Mongolian wildlife managers in assessing the effectiveness of the marmot hunting ban. In addition, we collaborate with wildlife managers, communities and scientists to conserve marmots for the future.
v Our research suggests that there has been a recent and dramatic decline in the population of marmots on the Eastern Steppe. Up to 95% of burrows investigated were inactive (i.e., no marmots), and population estimates suggest that the number of marmots in the Eastern Steppe may be as low as 495,000 (50% less than the 2002 estimate).  This is an alarming decline from a population that was previously estimated to be as many as 6 million in 1990.
v WCS Mongolia is working with herder community groups in the Eastern Steppe to monitor and protect marmots in their community-managed areas. These groups are using scan sampling methods to monitor marmot populations. Monitoring data will be used to track changes in population numbers, and to help determine the effectiveness of protection efforts.

Important Next Steps
Results from the marmot study and future annual surveys will inform the most effective way to promote the recovery and the continued healthy persistence of marmots in the Eastern Steppe. We believe this species plays a critical role in the steppe ecosystem, and by promoting conservation of the marmot, many other species will also benefit. Enforcement of hunting bans and other regulatory laws affecting marmots, allowing limited traditional hunting during certain times of year and developing local support for and investment in the conservation of marmots are important actions for the conservation of marmots in the Eastern Steppe. This will be achieved in part through collaboration with herder community groups in the Eastern Steppe to monitor and protect marmots. In addition, WCS will continue to assist the Mongolian government and local communities in assessing the effectiveness of the marmot hunting ban, ensuring that marmot regulations are enforced and planning for the future to ensure that marmots, as a critical member of the Eastern Steppe ecosystem, persist in the landscape as they have for thousands of years.