The Himalayan Marmots come across as just the right species you may want to cuddle in bed to stay warm in the cold climes of Ladakh. But these mammals belonging to the squirrel family are swift to retreat into their burrows at the slightest hint of human approach. Even if their squat body and short stocky limbs suggest limited athletic prowess.
[Click on any of the images for a larger view]
I have come across Marmots beyond Khardungla Pass on the way to Nubra valley and on the way to Tso Moriri, only catching fleeting glimpses through my camera lens. However, one set of five decided some publicity may be good for them and put on a show for me. About fifteen miles from Pangong Tso on the way back to Leh.
All it needed were some bananas to win them over. It was a treat watching them peel and eat these, even fighting over the pieces. Food made them romantic as they smooched each other and huddled together, and friendly too with two of them trying their best to snuggle up my legs. Not sure if they could hurt made me look a bit apprehensive, until a passing local driver told me they were harmless. A guide told me later that this is the only known spot in Ladakh where the Marmots act friendly, only because they know passing travellers will feed them goodies. Adding variety to their diet comprising predominantly of grasses and herbs. Smart, very smart.
Marmots hibernate for 6-7 months starting early October, staying huddling together in their hay covered and tightly closed burrows. They do not store food, losing about half their eight kilo body weight during the period.
Marmots are not easy to find along new road projects though; according to a forest official, a certain race of migratory workers from the state of Orissa eat everything that moves including Marmots. Ladakhis, even if they did earlier, have struck Marmots off their menus.
Enjoy Marmots in their natural habitat, but don’t expect wildlife laws to allow you to take them home.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I saw one Marmot in Ladakh while coming back to Leh from Khardungla…saw it from quite a distance and stopped my bike to get a pic…unfortunately didn’t know about the Banana Trick
otherwise would have used it…
I am sure you would have had a great time with these snuggies !!!
Now I know the Marmot-Taming secret…thanks to you !!!
Cheers…
Nishant
Met several marmots in Zansker Valley, Tried to take a good pic several times. But.. not a single photo was close enough as yours. Why no one told me about this banana trick… : (
Hi Nishant / Pankaj – now you know. Don’t forget to pack in some bananas next time around.
I was fascinated with the marmots on my way to Padum. In fact, One day, we drove just 80 odd kms in 8 hrs just because we were trying to follow the marmots and few birds around…
You really got some good pictures…
Wow Ajay, that must have been some chase. And thanks for the feedback to the pics – especially coming from a pro like you.
Try out some slices of Bread . They will just go crazy. You could even hold them in your hand and chase them for the bread. But I heard, WWI people were not in favour of feeding this bunch of marmots. People throb in huge numbers to stop and click Photographs with them while they are feed them. They are not use to such extra haeavy diet. They fear their ill health during hibernating period.
Hey Ankur… I shall keep this in mind. Maybe I will take wholegrain or brown bread – healthier for them.