Species MammalsVancouver Island Marmot

Vancouver Island Marmot

Marmota vancouverensis

Very rareMammal
Illustration of Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)

The Vancouver Island Marmot is one of the world's rarest mammals and Canada's most endangered, with wild populations reduced to fewer than 30 individuals by 2003 before an intensive captive breeding and reintroduction program was launched. It is found only on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in subalpine meadows created by snow avalanches. Its chocolate-brown fur with white patches makes it one of the most distinctively marked marmots.

Habitat
Natural subalpine meadows of Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Diet
Grasses, forbs, and meadow flowers
How common
Very rare

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