The Vancouver Island marmot is seeing its most promising population boost in years.
New data from the Marmot Recovery Foundation shows roughly 427 marmots now surviving in the wild — a dramatic turnaround for one of Canada’s most endangered mammals, which dropped to fewer than 30 animals more than two decades ago.
Officials said the improvement comes from decades of recovery efforts, including captive-breeding, habitat restoration and carefully planned reintroductions across Vancouver Island’s mountain ranges.
Current monitoring shows growing populations on Mount Washington, around the Nanaimo Lakes area and in Strathcona Provincial Park.
While the latest survey is being celebrated as a major milestone, experts warn the species remains vulnerable to predation and habitat loss, meaning long-term support is still essential.
“Recovery efforts have made a substantial difference to the marmot population, but there continue to be large fluctuations in the population,” said the foundation.
