The Vancouver Island Marmot

The purpose of this document is to collate information specificto the Vancouver Island marmot and other closely related species, to review the current status of the species, and to formulate aplan for management of the Vancouver Island marmot.

Since 1985, faunal remains of the Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) have been discovered in four high-elevation cave sites, two in Strathcona Provincial Park and a third in Clayoquot Plateau Provincial Park. Cut marks on bones and artefacts recovered at one site indicate that the remains are the result of human hunting, and radiocarbon dating has revealed the prehistoric ages of the sites. No marmots live in the vicinity of the cave sites today, and the remains provide additional evidence for a range decline in the marmot. This report summarises the analysis of faunal remains (not only of marmot but also of other mammals) and reviews the implications for Vancouver Island marmot biogeography and conservation, as well as for Aboriginal cultural history. Recommendations are also presented for future research in British Columbia parks and for managing those cave sites.