Population. As a result of intensive plowing of virgin and fallow lands in the northern and central regions of Kazakhstan in 1953-1954, the number decreased. It has been preserved mainly in sparsely populated and untilled steppes.
Distribution. In Kazakhstan, the steppe marmot is found in the Kostanay region (Fedorovsky, Mendykarinsky and Presnogorkovsky districts), in the Presnovsky district of the North Kazakhstan region. The northern border of the range runs almost to the Irtysh, then turns to Zhalaula and descends southward west of the Shiderty River to the Myrzyk ridge (Bayanauyl). To the west, it lives near Kurgaldzhin and Tengiz lakes, in the foothills of Ulutau and in the south of Akmola region, especially along the Terisakkan River. The southern border runs through the upper reaches of the Ulkayak and the northern spurs of the Mugodjar Mountains, further north of the Ilek River. Marmot is not found in the forests of Kokshetau and in the desolate steppes.
