Conservation techniques help bolster endangered Vancouver Island marmot population

Marmots are a beloved yet shy mammal who have lived on Vancouver Island for around 100,000 years.

For the first time in a while, they have experienced a baby boom, resulting in their population rising tenfold. 

The Vancouver Island marmot is the most endangered Canadian species but several strides have been taken to change this. 

Thanks to hands-on conservation efforts, their population has risen from a meagre 30 to over 300 over the past 20 years. 

This year alone their population has increased by over 100, according to the Marmot Recovery Foundation based out of Nanaimo. 

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“Three things drove this big increase in numbers,” they said.

“First, we were able to release 52 marmots to the wild this summer. That’s a big boost, especially for smaller colonies where there might be marmots looking for mates or even hibernation partners.”

The second was that past years have posed challenges which impacted the marmots’ reproductive success. 

This year’s fairer summer weather allowed for an estimated 51 pups to be born. 

“Third, the marmots are continuing to strike out on their own and successfully establish new colonies. This year, we were able to document another three new colonies.”

The Marmot Recovery Foundation says that these efforts would not have been possible without the help of donors and support.

They wish it to be known though, that the Vancouver Island Marmot is still critically endangered and needs continued support if population levels are to get back to a stable number.