Press Release
For Immediate Release
Toronto, July 8, 2004 |
For More Information
Contact Cynthia Shipley, Supervisor, Public Relations
Toronto Zoo
(416) 392-5938 Or
Maria Franke, Curator of Mammals
Toronto Zoo
(416) 392-5967 |
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I AM CANADIAN!
Toronto, Ontario, July 8, 2004: North America’s most endangered mammal is
small, furry, cute … and Canadian. Found only on Vancouver Island, less
than 30 individuals remain in the wild. The good news is that due to innovative
techniques, the Toronto Zoo has been able to captive breed this species with 11
marmot pups born in 2004, or approximately 10% of the world’s population, and
that most of these pups could be up for wild release as early as 2005.
Vancouver Island marmots, members of the squirrel family, have rich chocolate
brown fur with contrasting white patches. Their rapid decline may be due to
forestry, which has concentrated them in small areas, making them more
vulnerable to predators, disease, and changes in climate and vegetation. Once
marmots have been released back into their native habitat, they will be
monitored carefully by telemetry to ensure their well being.
In conjunction with the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team, the Toronto
Zoo, which accepted 6 marmots in 1998, was the first zoo to establish a
captive-breeding program for these animals with the goal of releasing them back
into their wild habitat. Since marmots don’t become sexually mature until the
age of 4 years, and in the wild reproduce only every other year, marmot
reproduction presents some problems. But by using a technique called fecal
hormonal analysis to gain an understanding of the females’ reproductive cycle
and by implementing several other innovative methods, Toronto Zoo staff scored
breeding success. "Breeding decisions made here have influenced other programs,"
comments Colette Howe of the Toronto Zoo’s Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery
Project.
In the works for the fall of 2004, is a new Education Outreach Program, which
will spread the word about this species’ plight. The Program’s stress on
endangered species is an excellent fit with current Grade 6 curriculum.
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VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT FACT SHEET
Marmota vancouverensis |
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Vancouver Island Marmots at Toronto Zoo: The Zoo currently has 9 male
marmots, 6 females and 11 pups. A total of 20 pups have been born here, with 11
births in 2004. The Vancouver Island marmots are in a restricted breeding
facility and are not on display to the public.
Description:
This species, members of the squirrel family, has shiny
chocolate brown fur with white on the muzzle and abdomen.
Distribution and Habitat: They are only found on Vancouver Island in
forest clearings and alpine slopes with a southern exposure. Burrows, dug
between rocks, provide protection from predators.
Length: Body: 300 to 600 mm Tail: 100 to 250 mm.
Weight: From 3-7.5 kg.
Adaptations: They have a "pecking order" lead by adult males. Marmots are
true hibernators - for 6 months the entire family of 15 or so animals huddle
together. When outside temperatures drop below freezing, their body temperature
can drop to 4.5 - 7.5C. Every 3-4 weeks they awaken to defecate and urinate
Reproduction: Most animals do not breed until their fourth summer.
Litters of up to 3 young are born after a gestation period estimated at 30 days.
They may reproduce only every second year.
Wild Diet: Vancouver Island marmots are herbivores, feeding on more than
50 plant species. During the spring they feed on berries, roots, bark, and on
grasses and early-blooming flowers. During the summer they eat flowers, berries,
grasses and leaves
Zoo Diet: A variety of leafy green vegetables, including romaine lettuce,
dandelion greens and kale, as well as cobs of corn, yams, and other
vegetables.
Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. Their rapid decline may be due to
forestry, which has concentrated them in small areas, making them more
vulnerable to predators, disease, and changes in climate and
vegetation.
