The recent outbreak of bubonic plague in Mongolia, China, and far east Russia sparked conversations on a global scale. This occurrence has been primarily linked to the Tarbagan Marmot, a rodent species very similar to the common squirrel. In this context, the situation has drawn comparisons to the Covid-19 pandemic, believed to have been initially spread through the consumption of bat meat.
Understanding the Marmot
Marmots fall under the Marmota genus, being a part of the Sciuridae family within the Rodentia order. With approximately 15 species, marmots most closely relate to ground squirrels and prairie dogs in terms of biological classification. Prairie dogs, native to North America’s grasslands, are herbivorous burrowing rodents, much like the marmots themselves. Adapted to live in cold environments, marmots have fur-covered ears, short thickset legs, and potent claws which aid them in digging. These diurnal creatures spend their days actively foraging for vegetarian meals.
Habitats and Species
Marmots predominantly appear across Europe, Asia, and North America. Two marmot types, the Himalayan Marmot and the Long-tailed Marmot, make their home in the Indian Subcontinent or South Asia. Both these species feature on the IUCN Red List as Least Concerned. On the other hand, the Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot, classified as an endangered species, inhabits Mongolia, China, and certain parts of Russia.
The Role They Play
While burrowing, marmots inadvertently aerate the soil, promoting nutrient circulation and facilitating plant propagation. Beyond humans, they hold significant value in the Himalayan ecosystem, serving as a prey species for predators such as the snow leopard, red fox, hawks, eagles, and more.
Threatening Factors
Marmots face threats from hunting, specifically in China and Mongolia, mostly due to their meat’s protein content, a crucial dietary component in high-altitude regions. These animals often become sustenance for pastoral nomads during times of scarcity. Their fur also poses a large attraction, leading to further hunting.
About the Plague
The plague is resultant from the Yersinia pestis bacteria, commonly found in small mammals and their fleas. Transmission to humans comes from flea bites, direct contact with infected tissues, or inhalation of infected respiratory droplets, earning it the classification of bacterial zoonoses.
There exist two primary forms of the plague infection. The bubonic plague, the most frequent type, manifests itself as painful swollen lymph nodes or ‘buboes’. This highly infectious variation was responsible for approximately 50 million deaths across Africa, Asia, and Europe during the 14th century, earning it the moniker, the Black Death. Between 2000 and 2015, over 3,200 people contracted the disease globally, leading to 584 deaths.
The second form, the pneumonic plague, is a severe lung infection. Antibiotics prove effective against plague bacteria; hence, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent fatality. Nevertheless, if left untreated, the fever associated with the plague has the potential to cause death in a short period.
