Marmotte

Marmotte (French for marmot) refers primarily to the Alpine marmot, Marmota marmota, a large, herbivorous rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is native to high-elevation habitats in the European Alps.

Description and behavior: Alpine marmots are stout, with thick fur and a short tail. They live in colonies in burrow systems among rock and meadow slopes, and are diurnal and social, issuing whistling alarm calls when danger is detected.

Habitat and range: They inhabit alpine and subalpine meadows and talus slopes across the Alps, generally above 1,500 meters. They hibernate for about seven months of the year in burrows, emerging in spring.

Diet and ecology: They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, flowers, seeds, and bark; their foraging is greatest in the warm months. They maintain colonies with a social structure that includes a dominant pair and several non-breeding members.

Reproduction and lifecycle: Breeding occurs in spring after hibernation. Litter size typically 2-6 young; the young are weaned within a month; adults reach sexual maturity after two years.

Conservation: The Alpine marmot has a wide distribution and is generally common; it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Local populations may be affected by habitat disturbance and human activity.

Other uses: La Marmotte is the name of a prominent long-distance cycling event in the French Alps, typically covering about 174 kilometers and 5,000 meters of elevation gain, starting in Bourg d’Oisans and finishing on Alpe d’Huez.