Vancouver Island Marmot
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| Marmota vancouverensis (Swarth, 1911) |
The Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is found only in the high mountainous regions of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. The species can be distinguished from other marmots by its rich, chocolate brown fur and contrasting white patches. Individuals live in small colonies in subalpine meadows on steep, avalanche-prone slopes, preferring those with a southern exposure. It usually hibernates 8 months out of the year.
This animal is an herbivore, eating berries, flowers, leaves, roots and bark.
Mating occurs in early spring. Females bear 3 to 5 young after a 30 day gestation period; most mature females breed every second year. After they are two years old, the young marmots attempt to find their own territories.
Predators include the Golden Eagle, the Red-tailed Hawk, the Cougar and the American Black Bear.
The closest relative of the Vancouver Island Marmot is the Hoary Marmot, Marmota caligata.
The Vancouver Island Marmot is one of the world's rarest mammals and Canada's most endangered species. The wild population numbered less that 40 individuals at the end of 2005. A recovery program, begun in 1998, aims to increase the population through captive-breeding and gradual reintroduction into protected Marmot habitats.
The captive-breeding program, implemented in a number of Canadian facilities, has steadilly grown with 150 individuals in captivity and over 44 pups born in 2005 alone. A number of individuals were released in 2005 and more releases are expected in the upcoming years.
[edit] References
- Nagorsen (2000). Marmota vancouverensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is endangered and the criteria used
