Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated numbers left in the wild: 250
Country found in: Canada
Vancouver Island Marmot are ground rodents having a rich chocolate brown covering with white patches. Marmots as a group are the largest members of the squirrel family. They weigh around 5-7 kgs. These animals can be found only in the high mountains of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. They inhabit subalpine meadows with steep slopes, coniferous forests, road banks, and meadows created by ski runs.
Vancouver Island Marmot is among the most endangered mammals on Earth.
Why are these animals threatened?
The threat comes from habitat destruction or alteration, in the shape of resorts and other recently logged areas. Another cause of mortality is predators, particularly golden eagles, cougars, and wolves.
According to Wikipedia, the cumulative captive breeding program has steadily grown, with 130 individuals in captivity (2010) and 442 weaned pups born in captivity since 2000. A number of individuals have been released to Strathcona Provincial Park, Mount Cain, Mount Washington and more southern mountains. From 2003–2010 the Marmot Recovery Foundation and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment have released 308 marmots back into the wild. The wild population was counted at 250 in 2021. Due to conservation and recovery efforts, the population of Vancouver Island Marmots has increased drastically since 2003 to present day. Nevertheless, Vancouver Island Marmot populations continue to fluctuate due to natural events or increased predation, leading to an inconsistent annual mortality rate.