Menzbier's marmot

The Menzbier's marmot is a captivating rodent from the family Sciuridae, native to Central Asia. This species inhabits the western Tien Shan Mountains, traversing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and northern Tajikistan. They favor meadows and steppes, thriving at elevations between 2,000 and 3,600 meters.

This marmot has a relatively restricted range and is not found in large numbers. In 1998, the population was estimated at around 22,000, and by 2005, Kazakhstan alone had approximately 20,000 to 25,000 individuals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Menzbier's marmot as vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss from expanding agriculture and hunting pressures.

Physically, Menzbier's marmots are on the smaller side. They measure about 34.5 to 50 cm in length and weigh between 1.85 and 5 kg. Their fur is dark on the upper and rear parts, contrasting with their lighter underparts and front. Notably, their fur darkens as the season progresses. These marmots hibernate from late summer (August or September) until spring (April or May).

Named after the Russian zoologist Mikhail Aleksandrovich Menzbier, this species is genetically divided into two groups by the Pskem River and its valley. These groups are recognized as the northern subspecies, *M. m. menzbieri*, and the southern subspecies, *M. m. zachidovi*. While they form a species group with the long-tailed marmot, Menzbier's marmots prefer wetter, higher-altitude areas with shorter grass.