Bobak Marmot

The bobak marmot, or steppe marmot, inhabits the steppes of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is a social animal of steppe grassland, including cultivated field borders, and is often described as a large counterpart of the North American prairie dog, with a round stomach, stubby legs and a short tail. It hibernates for more than half the year (Wikipedia, general species account).

Litters average about five and young need at least three years to reach sexual maturity. About 60% of adult females breed in a given year. Snow leopards prey on marmots. The Mammal Diversity Database places this species in Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan, not Nepal, so its presence in this guide is unconfirmed and flagged for checking. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).