Modern state of the steppe marmot (Marmota bobak Müll.) colonies in the conditions of the forb-fescue-feather grass steppe in the south-west of Samara Region

Background. The steppe marmot (Marmota bobak Müll.) is an important component of natural steppe communities. The steppe marmot (Marmota bobak Müll.) is an edificator species of natural steppe communities. The burrowing activity of steppe marmot leads to the enrichment, mixing, moistening and aeration of the soil layers, and the making of favorable conditions for other inhabitants of the steppe, both invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition, this species, being herbivorous, is an object of hunting for such predators as red fox, corsac and diurnal birds of prey. Despite the fact that the south of the Samara Region is located in the zone of typical steppes, there are very few areas with well-preserved steppe vegetation, which historically are the habitats of the steppe marmot. In this concern, the study of the flora of the forb-fescue-feather grass steppe of Pestravsky District of the Samara Region and monitoring of the steppe marmot colonies in these territories was carried out. Materials and methods. In June 2018 and 2019, research was conducted in the territory of the Pestravsky District of Samara Region in order to uncover undisturbed steppe sites with the existing colonies of the steppe marmot. The floristic composition of the territory was recorded. The census and location of burrows in the two recorded colonies of the steppe marmot were made using mapping, photo and navigational devices during survey routes. Results. The studied areas of the forb-fescue-feather grass steppe in Pestravsky District of Samara Region are inhabited by the steppe marmot. The basis of the plant cover is formed by the grasses Stipa lessingiana, Festuca valesiaca and Agropyron cristatum; Koeleria cristata and Psathyrostachys juncea are found sporadically. Steppe forbs are dominated by Artemisia austriaca, A. santonica and Galatella villosa. Both colonies of the steppe marmot have a positive reproductive potential, resource endowment and are subject to minimal anthropogenic impact. All family plots are residential, with numerous traces of life activity, fresh faeces and distinct paths between burrows. The estimated number of marmots in the colony 1 is 62, in the colony 2 ‒ 31 individuals. Conclusions. The surveyed areas are characterized by a high degree of preservation of steppe vegetation providing favorable conditions for the stable existence of the steppe marmot. Potentially, up to 49 families per 1 km2 can live in the territory; during field research in the colonies, 16 and 18 families per 1 km2 were recorded, respectively. The potential of these colonies makes it possible to increase the number of the steppe marmot, but the natural mechanisms for maintaining its number are replaced here by artificial measures for its regulation by the gamekeepers, including the shooting of natural enemies of the steppe marmot.