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Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)
The
future of Canada 's most endangered animal, the Vancouver Island
marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)
hinges largely on a successful conservation-breeding and reintroduction
program. However, the CCR identified a number of knowledge
gaps that needed to be addressed to help ensure a
successful program. Using cameras installed in the nest boxes
and enclosures of adult Vancouver Island marmot (VIM) pairs housed
at the Calgary Zoo and the Toronto Zoo, the CCR examined captive
VIM behaviour during the reproductive season. In addition, using
data from a study of wild animals at the University of British
Columbia , the CCR also compared the activity and sociality of
captive and wild pairs. Results
from the study will help maximize the number of pups born
for reintroduction to the wild and help ensure a successful recovery
program for the species. Future
research by the CCR will delve further into these
topics.
To find out how you can support this important conservation project, click here.
Listen
to the Calgary Zoo's Brian Keating discuss the Vancouver Island
marmot on CBC's "The Homestretch" originally broadcast in February 2007. Audio courtesy of CBC Calgary.
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