A chunky, sociable rodent that stands out among marmots for both its appearance and its unique way of life on the windswept steppes of Mongolia, Russia, and northern China. Its coat shifts color with the seasons—golden-brown in summer and darker, denser in winter—giving it excellent camouflage against the grassy landscapes it calls home. Unlike mountain-dwelling marmots that live high in rocky alpine terrain, the Tarbagan prefers open plains and rolling hills, adapting to harsher, more exposed environments where temperatures can swing drastically between day and night.

One of its most distinct traits is its complex social system. Tarbagan marmots live in large colonies with extensive underground burrow networks that provide shelter from predators and insulation against the extreme climate. Within these colonies, you can find “sentry” marmots posted at burrow entrances, scanning for danger. If an eagle, fox, or wolf appears, the sentry lets out a sharp, piercing whistle that sends the entire group diving for cover. These alarm calls can be heard from over 100 meters away and are so distinctive that they’ve become a defining feature of the species. While other marmots also use alarm calls, the Tarbagan’s are especially loud and frequent—an adaptation to life in the open steppe, where threats can approach from any direction.

Another feature that sets the Tarbagan apart from other marmots is its deep cultural and historical connection to humans. For centuries, it has been hunted for its thick fur and meat, which is considered a delicacy in some regions. However, the species is also infamous for its link to the bubonic plague, as it can host the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Historically, this connection made the Tarbagan a source of both livelihood and fear in Mongolia. Even today, the country issues periodic hunting bans or health warnings when plague risk is high.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

China

2016

Mongolia

2016

Russia

2016