Research object
Marmots are hibernation animals. When the temperature is consistently
<10 °C, they will hibernate naturally for 3−6 months and will
then wake up naturally when the temperature warms. Marmots are family
den social animals. Dens are generally classified as hibernation dens,
summer-living dens, and temporary dens according to their functions.
Each family has a den group. The den group is centered on a hibernation
den and is surrounded by several summer lived dens and temporary dens.
The natural enemies of marmots in this study area are mainly stray dogs
(Canis lupus familiaris ), Tibetan foxes
(Vulpes ferrilata ), and
large raptors (Bubo bubo and Buteo hemilasius ). Marmots
are very cautious and often look up to observe the surrounding
environment during foraging. Their area of activity is typically
concentrated within 2−100 m of their den entrance (Yang and Xie 1983).
When they are disturbed by humans or other predators, they will sound an
alarm, and the surrounding individuals will immediately enter the den
after hearing the alarm (Shi 2007; S.L. Wang, personal observation,
2019). Marmots in this region begin to hibernate during mid-October and
are almost all hibernating by the end of October; they end their
hibernation at the end of March or in early April (Shi 2007). During the
entire warm season, except for periods with severe weather (e.g., heavy
rain and/or hail), they are active outside their dens. Generally, they
leave their dens at sunrise and return at sunset.