Den characteristics and ecological significance of Marmota himalayana on
the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Abstract
Dens are places for cavernicolous animals to hibernate, reproduce, and
avoid predators and harsh weather conditions, and thus they have a vital
impact on their survival. M. himalayana is the main large cavernicolous
rodent on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The analysis of den traits and
their ecological functions can reveal mechanisms by which marmots have
adapted to their environment, which is important for further
understanding the ecological significance of this species. From July to
August 2019 (warm season), we used unmanned aerial vehicles to fly at
low altitudes and slow speeds to locate 131 marmot burrows (45 on shaded
slopes, 51 on sunny slopes, and 35 on flat areas) in the northeastern
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We then measured the physical characteristics
(den density, entrance size, first tunnel length, volume, orientation
and plant characteristics near the den entrance) of these dens on site.
The physical parameters of the M. himalayana dens showed that they
function to protect the marmots from natural enemies and bad weather,
provide good drainage, and maintain a stable microclimate around the
entrance. This is a result of the marmot’s adaptation to the harsh
environment (cold and humidity) of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.