Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), located in Gothic, Colorado, is a research institution that has been studying alpine ecosystems since 1962. Its long-term research, particularly on marmots, is currently facing jeopardy due to federal funding cuts. This situation has prompted recent initiatives, such as the "Fat Marmot Week," aimed at raising money for critical research. The ongoing work at RMBL is significant because it provides vital data on how global warming is altering the alpine environment. Researchers are studying the impact of changing conditions, like insufficient snow cover during hibernation, which has led to significant marmot population declines. The survival and fattening of the remaining marmots highlight the delicate balance of this ecosystem. RMBL's continued research is essential for understanding and potentially mitigating the effects of climate change on high-altitude wildlife and their habitats.