|
|
 |
Vancouver
Island Marmot
Marmota vancouverensis
 The
Vancouver Island Marmot is, to marmot biologists at least,
the most beautiful of the world's fourteen marmot species.
It is also the most rare. In fact, it may be the rarest
mammal in the world, with a total population of fewer
than 100 animals.
Declared an endangered species in 1980, it has been the
subject of an ongoing study, and a recent attempt to reintroduce
it to some of its historical range. A sudden decrease
in the population, however, has prompted the start of
a captive breeding program, in an effort to bolster the
failing natural population.
The Vancouver Island Marmot is a rodent, which grows to
about four to seven kilograms. It is found only in the
restricted alpine areas of Vancouver Island. It lives
in very small colonies, in elaborate burrows underground.
It hibernates for about seven months each year. Females
produce about three pups every second year, which emerge
in July.
Recent findings have included the bones of Vancouver Island
Marmots in several Vancouver Island caves. Some were clearly
killed by early hunters, but others predate human occupation
of the area. The present status of the marmot is but one
page in its fascinating history. Let's hope it is not
the last page. |
|
|
|
Web
Design by Sage
Internet Solutions.