A small marmot endemic to Vancouver Island. Critically endangered; population crashed from ~300 to ~30 individuals; captive breeding program is rebuilding.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The Vancouver Island marmot is a species of marmot endemic to Vancouver Island, in British Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia — Vancouver Island marmot Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Brown marmot with distinct dark face; smaller than other marmots.
Similar species. Other Marmota species.
Voice. Loud whistles.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Grasses, forbs.
Behavior. Endemic to Vancouver Island. Critically endangered — population crashed from 300 to 30 individuals; captive breeding has restored to 200+. Among the most endangered mammals in North America.
§ Range
Vancouver Island, BC
§ Habitat
Subalpine meadows
§ Threats
Habitat loss to logging, predation, climate change.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the vancouver island marmot is currently classified as Critically Endangered.
§ What helps
Support marmot recovery programs.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Vancouver Island marmot
- www.fws.gov — authoritative profile of Marmota vancouverensis
- IUCN Red List · taxon 12828
- iNaturalist · taxon 46035
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Marmota vancouverensis
§ Sources cited
- Marmot Recovery Foundation
- IUCN Red List 2016
