Аннотация:Marmots weren’t part of the ecosystems of Bryansk regions for a long time, because they disappearedunder the pressure of the plow and uncontrolled hunting. In this area, the first colony of marmot was noticed in 2013 on the gentle slopes of the southern exposure. The aim of the work is to estimate the role of Marmota bobak activity for intraforest steppe meadows in the east of the Bryansk region. Route survey showed that plants communities transformed under their activity. Based on geobotanical relevés and statistical analysis, two groups of vegetation were identified in the study area: short-grass and tall-grass meadows. Tall-grass meadows are characterized by low biodiversity indices, because highly competitive grasses dominate the community (Bromus inermis, Calamagrostis epigeios, Elytrigia repens etc.). Small-grass meadows are associated with marmot settlements and are sustained by animal activity. Due to the grazing of dominant grasses, less competitive species can occupy more advantageous positions in the grass stand. The activity of marmots allows plant species of different ecological-coenotic groups to coexist in the meadows. To maintain structural and species diversity of the vegetation cover of intraforest meadows, the following features of marmots’ behaviour are important: formation of burrows with fresh throwings, which are characterized by an exposed substrate necessary for seed and vegetative propagation of plants; creation and maintenance of pasture or forage areas near the burrows. The above determines the development of vegetation patches (micro-groupings) in meadows and their spatial redistribution in communities.
