Marmota bobak ranges from central Europe, across Russia to central Asia. The species is most commonly found in scattered colonies along the Don and Donets rivers, and in the middle and southern Ural Mountains on the steppes of north Kazakhstan. The present range however, is only a fraction of the vast area formerly inhabited by M. bobak. (Ognev, 1963; Nowak, 1999)

Biogeographic Regions: palearctic (Native )

M. bobak is often described as a large analog of the North American prairie dog. Easily spotted while feeding on open grasslands, the species is characterized by a round stomach, stubby legs, and a short tail. Body length ranges from 490 to 575 mm. Males are generally somewhat larger than females.

The coat is generally short and dense, with guard hairs that extend slightly beyond the underfur. Mature marmots in fall pelage are usually straw colored to rusty with dark brown hair tips. On the upper part of the head, between the eyes, the dark hair tips are more concentrated, making the top of the head appear darker. Hair around the belly, chin, throat and groin is generally darker rust whereas the tip of the tail is usually dark brown. Pelage color variations also include a paler yellow coat with light brown guard hair tips and occasional albinism.

As in all members of the genus Marmota, pelage color depends on the season. The markings described above refer to a new, fall coat. During the spring and early part of the summer, marmots generally have worn coats that are scorched by the sun. The fur is generally lighter during this period.

Perhaps the greatest difference between M. bobak and other members of the genus Marmota lies in skull morphology. Generally M. bobak has a more massive skull with wider zygomatic arches and large supraorbital processes. Auditory bullae are broad and short. Total adult skull length ranges from 89 to 103 mm.(Blumstein, 1995; Ognev, 1963)

Range length: 490 to 575 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Average mass: 7300 g.

• Terrestrial

Bobak marmots typically inhabit steppe ecosystems. They prosper on open rolling grasslands and along the edges of cultivated fields. These marmots appear to prefer low mountain slopes and territories between rivers. They thrive in regions with high densities of forbs and feather grasses. During the past 50 years, colonies have adjusted to grazing pressure and increasing row crop agriculture on the steppes of central Asia.

In areas where the steppes have been partially plowed, marmots inhabit hard ground and fallow land. Few animals venture onto the newly turned soil, because it offers little opportunity for burrow construction or feeding. Occasionally, marmots will burrow on unpaved roads that meander through the steppes. These burrows typically belong to young animals that are attracted to the site by the hard soil and abundant roadside weeds.

The Streletskaya steppe, home to a particularly large bobak marmot colony, sustains the fundamental habitat components upon which marmots depend. It is characterized by low hills, shallow ravines, small flooded riverine meadows, and sparse elm stands. Soils in this region are stony, with some sandstone deposits. Typical vegetation includes fescue (Festuca ovina), wheatgrass (Agropyrum sibiricum), lyme grass (Elymus junceus) and feather grass (Stipa stenophylla). Isolated populations of M. bobak have historically inhabited the edges of pine forests, however this cover type does not appear to support large colonies.

(Yurgenson, 1959; Ognev, 1963)

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

M. bobak principally feed on wild steppe grasses. Favorite plants include wild oats (Avena sativa), crested wheatgrass (Agropyrum cristatum), knotgrass, chicory (Cichorium intybus), clover (Trifolium repens), and lesser bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Although marmots prefer wild plants, they occasionally graze on vegetable gardens, sunflowers, and agricultural crops, such as potatoes. Intense feeding periods occur before winter in preparation for hibernation, and during early spring.

(Yurgenson, 1959; Ognev, 1963)

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; seeds, grains, and nuts

Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Granivore )

Bobak marmots graze on a variety of native grassland vegetation. Consequently, they disperse grass seeds such as crested wheatgrass, knotgrass, and chicory. Complex burrow structures aerate compacted soil andabandoned colonies serve as den sites for other ground-dwelling mammals.

Because bobak marmots are a prey species, they are also important parts of the food web.

(Yurgenson, 1959)

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds; creates habitat; soil aeration

M. bobak fall prey to a variety of raptors and carnivores. Perhaps the most effective marmot predators are stray dogs and foxes. Historically, steppe wolves would also have counted among marmot enemies. Due to hunting and habitat destruction, however, wolves have all but disappeared from the landscape.

Effective avian predators include imperial eagles, golden eagles, and steppe eagles. Strong forelimbs, aggressive claws, and relative agility usually protect the marmot from smaller raptors such as marsh hawks and kites.

(Blumstein , 1995; Ognev, 1963)

Known Predators:

• stray dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
• foxes (Vulpes)
• gray wolves (Canis lupus)
• steppe eagles (Aquila nipalensis)
• imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca)
• golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)
• marsh hawks (Circus)
• kites (Accipitridae)

The exact lifespan of M. bobak in the wild is unknown, although captive marmots may live as long as 15 years.

(Armatige, 1975)

Range lifespan

Status: captivity: 15 (high) years.

Average lifespan

Status: wild: 15.0 years.

As these animals probably mate well out of sight of humans, mating system and mating behavior of this species has not been described.

Little data exist on the reproductive habits of M. bobak. Mating occurs during either hibernation, or at the onset of spring. A classic study conducted by E. M Korzinkina in 1935 indicated that M. bobak may employ delayed implantation. This phenomenon however has not been substantiated in subsequent research.

Sixty percent of adults breed within a given year. Gestation appears to vary between 40 and 42 days. Litters usually include 4 to 6 pups, with the average offspring number slightly greater than 5. Female marmots provide primary care for the young, though the male may fill a limited role in both litter protection and feeding once the young have emerged from the burrow.

Bobak marmots require 3 years to reach sexual maturity. Dispersers appear to leave the natal group after their second hibernation.

(Barash, 1975; Ognev, 1963; Yurgenson, 1959)

Breeding season: Mating probably occurs in the burrow before emergence in the spring, or shortly after emergence.

Range number of offspring: 4 to 6.

Average number of offspring: <5.

Range gestation period: 40 to 42 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous ; delayed implantation

Average birth mass: 35.5 g.

Average number of offspring: 4.5.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 1095 days.

As in all mammals, the female provides milk for the growing young. All marmots are born relatively altricial. Young remain in the burrow until they are able to walk, around 1 month of age, and are weaned shortly after. Males may help to provide the young once they have emerged from the burrow. (Nowak,1999; Barash, 1975; Ognev, 1963; Yurgenson, 1959)

Parental Investment: altricial ; male parental care ; female parental care

bobak marmots are listed as "lower risk" by IUCN.

Extensive trapping and over-hunting have significantly reduced populations of M. bobak throughout its natural range. In fact, in 1915 it was noted that in the Streletskaya steppe alone, marmot hunters caught up to 40,000 animals in a single hunting season. Today, hunting is prohibited in many regions of Russia and the surrounding nations.

Recent increases in row crop agriculture have substantially altered grassland steppe habitats. As native grasses are carved out by the plow, the marmot is forced to migrate to new, fallow lands.

(Armatige, 1975; Nowak, 1999)

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Isolated accounts document that M. bobak occasionally feed on garden vegetables such as potatoes, and corn. These reports however, describe atypical events that are not characteristic of these marmots.

(Ognev, 1963)

Negative Impacts: crop pest

M. bobak once provided plush pelts for trappers and fur traders. These pelts were transformed into hats and fur coats as late as the mid-1930s. During the past 100 years, marmots were also harvested to feed starving Russian citizens during periodic famine. Historically, Russians have experimented with breeding marmots for captive fur production.

(Ognev, 1963)

Positive Impacts: food