Conservation officials report that the Vancouver Island marmot has reached a major recovery milestone, with the wild population now estimated at 427 animals. This marks a remarkable rebound from a low of just 22 individuals in 2003.
Endemic to the alpine meadows of Vancouver Island, the species was once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, predation, and low reproductive rates. In response, a comprehensive recovery program was launched, combining captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat restoration, and ongoing monitoring.
Biologists say the latest numbers reflect steady growth across more than 30 mountain sites, offering one of the clearest signs yet that coordinated conservation efforts are paying off.
Still, experts caution that the marmot remains endangered and vulnerable to shifting environmental conditions. Continued management and close monitoring will be critical to ensuring the population remains stable and continues to expand.
Conservation leaders describe the rebound as a rare success story in species recovery, underscoring decades of collaboration among governments, researchers, volunteers, and conservation groups that helped prevent the marmot’s disappearance from the wild.
