Burrow characteristics and ecological significance of Marmota himalayana in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

ABSTRACT: Burrows provide burrowing animals with a place to hibernate, reproduce, and avoid predators and harsh weather conditions and thus have a vital impact on their survival. However, the general physical characteristics and ecological functions of Marmota himalayana burrows as well as whether there are differences in burrow traits under different terrains (e.g., sunny slopes, shady slopes, and flat areas) are not well understood. From July to August 2019 (warm season), we used unmanned aerial vehicles to fly at low altitudes and slow speeds to locate 131 M. himalayana burrows (45 on shaded slopes, 51 on sunny slopes, and 35 on flat areas) in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region. We then measured the physical characteristics (burrow density, entrance size, first t

SUBMITTER: Wang SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8258228 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature