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Vancouver Island marmots (scientists know this animal as Marmota vancouverensis) live only in the high mountains of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada and nowhere else in the world.
Marmots are the largest members of the squirrel family. Adults typically grow as large [and as big as a] housecat (about 5 to 7 kilograms). All of the world's 14 marmot species build elaborate underground burrows, hibernate during winter, and feed on grasses and flowers.
Some marmots live in mountainous regions - the scientific name "Marmota" actually means "mountain mouse". Most species are gentle, highly social creatures that live in colonies. Three other marmot species are found in Canada (the Woodchuck, Yellow-bellied marmot, and Hoary marmot).
The Vancouver Island marmot is easily distinguished from other marmots by its rich chocolate-brown fur and contrasting white patches. There are other differences as well -- genetic, behavioral, and ecological -- they even sound unique!
Apart from being unusual and lovely, Marmota vancouverensis has the dubious distinction of being the world's rarest marmot. In fact, with a population containing fewer than 100 individuals, this engaging rodent ranks as one of the world's rarest mammals.
Vancouver Island marmots were listed as endangered in 1980. Since that time populations have declined dramatically.
The essential problem is one of too few "eggs" (animals) in too few "baskets" (colonies) on a small "table" (geographic range).
Marmots have disappeared from parts of Vancouver Island, particularly in the northern and western extremes of their historic range. The total population is both small and concentrated, with most animals found on a handful of mountains in a small geographic area of about 150 square kilometres.
Despite colonization of new habitats created by clearcut logging, the total population declined by over 60% in the past decade. More colonies declined or became extinct in recent years than were formed.
The bad news is that forestry activities concentrated the population, making marmots more vulnerable to natural processes. Disease, bad weather, and predators could wipe out this unique creature in the blink of an eye. The good news is that this is a fixable problem!
The plan is to increase populations to the level at which this species can be safely removed from the Endangered List. The target is 400 to 600 marmots, distributed in three separate areas on Vancouver Island. The Recovery Plan emphasizes captive-breeding combined with reintroductions. Scheduled activities within the next five years include:
A captive-breeding program to produce marmots for release.
Re-introductions of marmots to historically occupied habitats.
Continued research and population monitoring.
Habitat mapping and protection of "keystone" colonies.
Public relations, education, and fund-raising.
There are 14 marmot species in the world, of which 6 species live in North America, and 4 species live in Canada. The Vancouver Island marmot is the only species listed as "endangered".
Marmots live in small colonies, generally consisting of an adult male, 1 or 2 adult females, some sub-adults ("teenagers"), and pups ("young-of-the-year").
Marmots live in underground burrows. These can be quite elaborate, including sleeping chambers and multiple entrances.
Vancouver Island marmots hibernate for about seven months each year, from late September to early May.
Adults mate underground in the spring, and produce an average litter of three pups that first emerge in early July.
Vancouver Island marmots are very social creatures. They communicate by physical contact and by whistling. Their most frequent call is a high-pitched whistle, which warns colony members of danger. Hence one local nickname, "whistle pig".
