MEET THE "ALPINE MARMOT"

A loud whistle pierced the air, it sounded like a boy whistling to a friend but was much louder. The whistle echoed across the mountainside, giving little indication of its source. Then I noticed a small furry rodent dart into a nearby burrow. A quick look at my guidebook confirmed that I had just seen and heard an ALPINE MARMOT

Life on the alpine pastures is not easy for the marmot. Winter are cold, and it's habit may be snowbound for months. Predator on land and in the air pose as threats. This makes the alpine survival totally dependent on cooperation, planning and vigilance.

Marmots normally live as a family, which consist of breeding pairs and their offspring. Each family have a burrow, one serves as the family home and the other provide shelter in times of danger.

The marmot takes its hygiene seriously. A separate burrow is used as a toilet so that the home is clean. At the end of their main burrow, marmots prepare an enlarged den, which the line with grasses. This den provides a safe haven where the female gives birth, it also offers warm sanctuary where the whole family can huddle during the long winter hibernation.

Personally I think the most important family responsibility is that of the guard. An adult marmot acts as a sentinel while the other family members forage nearby. To check for danger, the Marmot sometimes stands o it's hind feet to survey it's surrounding better.

Eagles, foxes and humans are they main Threat of the alpine marmot. Their presence or any other known predator will elicit an alarm call. Interestingly, the alarm call for eagles is noticeable distinct. At the sound of a warning call, the marmots scampers for safety.

Insomnia is certainly not a problem for alpine marmots. They hibernate for about six months, a related species the hoary marmot may hibernate for as long as nine months. During hibernation, the alpine marmot heart slows down to one or two beats per minute and it's body temperature drops. Going through this process obviously needs alot of preparation, during the summer and early autumn the marmots eat voraciously to acquire fat reserves that will last them through the long winter.

Marmots of all ages normally great with their nose. Marmots prepare for the future and are alert to danger.

HUMAN FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM THESE RODENTS