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SPECIES PROFILE
Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota)
Marmota
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Alps, Carpathians, introduced elsewhere
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Alpine meadows, rocky slopes
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Sciuridae
GENUS
Marmota
📋 Description
SIZE
40-60 cm body, 3-8 kg
COLORATION
Brown fur, white muzzle
ADAPTATIONS
Hibernation, burrowing, social colonies
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Alpine meadows, rocky slopes
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Alps, Carpathians, introduced elsewhere
REPRODUCTION
2-6 young, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Grasses, herbs, flowers
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Climate change, tourism disturbance
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Alpine marmots hibernate for 6-7 months in large family burrows. They produce loud alarm whistles when predators approach.
2
They are the largest squirrel in Europe and live in social colonies.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Hohe Tauern Austria
Swiss Alps
Dolomites Italy
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer (active May-Oct)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for large brown marmots sunbathing on alpine meadows; listen for whistles.
